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Dr. Ashish Ranjan

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Vitamin B 9

Also known as Folic Acid, Folate

₹719

You need to provide

Blood

This test is for

Male, Female

Test Preparation

No special preparation is required.

Understanding Vitamin B 9

What is Vitamin B 9?

The Vitamin B 9 test measures the level of vitamin B9 in the body. This vitamin is vital for forming red blood cells, DNA synthesis, and the growth of cells and other body tissues. Its deficiency may cause anemia and symptoms like weakness, confusion, breathing issues, etc.

Vitamin B9, also known as folic acid or folate, is a water-soluble vitamin naturally present in some foods. It is essential for red blood cell production, cell and tissue repair, DNA formation, the unique genetic code in an individual, and the growth of the fetus's brain and spinal cord during pregnancy. An inadequate amount of vitamin B9, also known as folic acid deficiency, can lead to anemia, a condition in which your body doesn't have enough healthy red blood cells. Folate-deficiency anemia can also cause your body to produce abnormally large red blood cells that don't function properly.

The Vitamin B 9 test is usually done if you experience deficiency symptoms, such as paleness, weakness, mouth ulcers, irritability, confusion, difficulty concentrating, weight loss, etc. Your doctor may advise this test to ensure treatment effectiveness if you are currently treated with folate or vitamin B9 supplements because of a previously diagnosed deficiency. This test is also an important monitoring parameter to maintain a healthy pregnancy, as folate deficiency can cause severe birth defects called neural tube defects, including spina bifida and anencephaly.

Usually, no special preparation is required for this test. You may eat and drink as per your daily routine. However, let your doctor know about all your medications, as some can affect your test results.

Test result ranges are approximate and may differ slightly between labs depending on the methodology and laboratory guidelines. Talk to your doctor about your specific test results. Narrate your complete medical history to help them correlate your clinical and laboratory findings. The test results will help the doctor determine your medical condition, make recommendations for lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise, decide whether or not supplements will be required to manage your overall health and formulate your treatment plan.

What is Vitamin B 9 used for?

The Vitamin B 9 test is usually done:

As part of a routine checkup to monitor your overall health.
As a monitoring parameter for a healthy pregnancy.
If you have symptoms of low vitamin B9 levels, such as weakness, fatigue, mouth ulcers, reduced sense of taste, memory loss, etc.
If you have been diagnosed with folate-deficiency anemia.
If you are on medications that may interfere with the absorption of vitamin 9.
If the doctor suspects a medical condition that affects vitamin B9 absorption in your body.
To evaluate your nutritional status (poor diet or malnutrition).
To monitor the treatment for vitamin B9 deficiency.

What does Vitamin B 9 measure?

The Vitamin B 9 test analyzes the levels of vitamin B9 in the blood. Vitamin B9 is a part of the B complex of vitamins and is an essential nutrient, meaning the body cannot produce it and has to be taken into the diet. Folate is the naturally occurring form of vitamin B9, whereas folic acid refers to a supplement that is added to food and drinks. The deficiency of vitamin B9 (folic acid) can also lead to macrocytic anemia in which the size of the RBCs becomes larger than normal.

Interpreting Vitamin B 9 results

Interpretations

Range (ng/mL)	Remarks
0.35 - 3.37	Deficient
3.38 - 5.38	Indeterminate
> 5.38	Normal

Reference range may vary from lab to lab*

Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Vitamin B 9

Frequently Asked Questions about Vitamin B 9

Q. What are the signs and symptoms of vitamin B9 deficiency?

The signs and symptoms of vitamin B9 deficiency include fatigue, paleness, shortness of breath, tender and red tongue, mouth ulcers, reduced sense of taste, memory loss, difficulty in concentration, confusion, muscle weakness, weight loss, etc. Talk to your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.

Q. What causes folate or vitamin B9 deficiency?

One of the most common causes of folate deficiency is not consuming folate-rich food in your diet. Other causes may include poor or inadequate absorption of folic acid, excessive alcohol intake, hemolytic anemia, certain medications, and kidney dialysis.

Q. What are the complications of folate-deficiency anemia?

The complications associated with vitamin B9 deficiency are memory loss, state of confusion, infertility, heart diseases, certain cancers, pregnancy issues, depression, dementia, decreased cognitive function, Alzheimer’s disease, etc.

Q. How can I raise my vitamin B9 levels naturally?

Always consult your doctor if your vitamin B9 levels are lower than normal. However, incorporating vitamin B9-rich foods, such as fish, milk, eggs, soy products, beans, and green leafy vegetables, can help raise the levels naturally.

Q. What are the different forms of vitamin B9?

Vitamin B9 is an essential nutrient that exists in two forms: folate and folic acid. Folate is a naturally occurring form of vitamin B9 and is present in green leafy vegetables. Whereas, folic acid is a synthetic form of vitamin B9 and is used in supplements and processed food items.

Q. What is the role of folic acid in pregnancy?

In pregnancy, folic acid helps form the neural tube during the early development of the baby. It also prevents some major birth defects during the development of the baby’s brain (anencephaly) and spine (spina bifida). Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or are planning to conceive to know about any supplements that you may need during pregnancy.

Q. Are vitamins B9 and B12 the same?

No, vitamins B9 and B12 are not the same. However, vitamin B9 works closely with vitamin B12, also called cobalamin, to form red blood cells and improve iron levels in the body.

Q. What is the difference between serum folate and RBC folate?

Serum folate is affected by diet, whereas RBC folate is a more reliable indicator of folate status. RBC folate is useful in case serum folate is normal but there is a high clinical suspicion of nutritional deficiency.

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