Examinations
Examinations
Folic acid is a crucial vitamin for normal blood formation. It is synthesized by intestinal microflora and partially obtained from food sources such as spinach, legumes, and grains. It serves as a cofactor for enzymes involved in purine and pyrimidine metabolism, DNA and RNA synthesis, protein synthesis, and choline metabolism.
Folic acid plays a key role in cell division, facilitates the binding of heme with protein groups in hemoglobin and myoglobin, and stimulates erythropoiesis, leukopoiesis, and thrombopoiesis, as well as regenerative processes in all organs and tissues. It also has anti-atherosclerotic, oncoprotective, and nootropic effects.
Deficiency of Folic Acid
A deficiency of folic acid leads to megaloblastic anemia and may cause malnutrition, impaired bone marrow function, and disrupted development of the gastrointestinal mucosa and skin. In pregnant women, folic acid deficiency can result in miscarriage, premature placental rupture, spontaneous abortion, congenital fetal defects, hydrocephalus, and brain herniation, as well as delayed fetal mental development.
The liver stores small amounts of folic acid, so its deficiency may develop within one month after stopping intake, and folic anemia can appear within four months.
- The analysis is performed on a blood sample taken from a vein.
- The test should be taken after 8–14 hours of fasting. Water is allowed.
- After a light meal, the test can be taken no earlier than 4 hours later.
- Diagnosis and differential diagnosis of macrocytic anemia
- Assessment of blood disorders during chemotherapy and radiation therapy
Causes of Increased Folic Acid Levels
- Vegetarian diet
- Pernicious anemia
- Distal small intestine diseases
Causes of Decreased Folic Acid Levels
- Insufficient intake or malabsorption of folic acid from food
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Anorexia
- Alcoholism
- Malabsorption disorders, including celiac disease, sprue, enteritis, gastric and intestinal resection
- Use of medications that impair folic acid absorption, such as aspirin, anticonvulsants, estrogens, nitrofurans, oral contraceptives, antacids, cholestyramine, and sulfasalazine
- Increased folic acid requirements despite normal intake, due to:
- Pregnancy and lactation
- Periods of rapid growth
- Fever and septic conditions
- Hemolytic anemia
- Malignant tumors
- Hyperthyroidism in children
- Sideroblastic anemia
- Liver diseases
- Chronic hemodialysis