Low serum folate levels can cause a variety of health issues, including anemia and fatigue. Here are some strategies to raise your folate levels:
- Increase folate-rich foods:
- Include more leafy greens (spinach, kale), legumes (beans, lentils), and citrus fruits in your diet.
- Fortified cereals and grains are also excellent sources of folate.
- Consider folic acid supplements:
- If your folate levels are very low, supplements may be recommended.
- Folic acid, the synthetic form of folate, is commonly available and can help quickly restore levels.
- Consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplementation, especially if pregnant.
- Limit alcohol intake:
- Excessive alcohol consumption can interfere with folate absorption in the body.
- Reducing alcohol intake helps ensure your body absorbs folate from food efficiently.
- Address underlying health issues:
- Conditions like celiac disease or other malabsorption disorders can lower serum folate levels.
- A healthcare provider may investigate these conditions if dietary changes and supplements don’t improve your levels.
When to seek medical advice:
- If you experience persistent symptoms like fatigue, weakness, or anemia, a serum folate test is recommended.
- Pregnant women or those planning to conceive should also monitor their folate levels, as folate is vital for preventing neural tube defects in babies.
Recommended Tests:
- Vitamin B12 Test:
Low B12 can mimic folate deficiency symptoms. Testing both ensures accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Vitamin B12 Test - Complete Blood Count (CBC):
A CBC can detect anemia, which is often linked to low folate levels, helping to assess the overall impact of the deficiency.
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
