This subject along with many others are quite common. We will do our best to answer this and many other similar questions in this article which should ease your mind regarding this subject.
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Iew support the view that biochemical and clinical symptoms common to both folate and vitamin B12 deficiency are due to the induction of a functional folate deficiency, which in turn is induced by cobalamin deprivation. The interrelationship between these two vitamins is best explained by the methyl trap hypothesis stating that vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to lowered levels of methionine synthetase, which results in a functional folate deficiency by trapping an increased proportion of folate as the 5-methyl derivative. In addition, as 5-methyl-H4PteGlu is a poor substrate for folylpolyglutamate synthetase, there is a decreased synthesis of folylpolyglutamates and consequently a decreased retention of folates by tissues.
The sparing effect of methionine can be explained by adenosylmethionine inhibition of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase, which would prevent the buildup of 5-methyl-H4PteGlun. A deficiency in vitamin B12 would not, in itself, be sufficient to cause a disturbance in folate metabolism.
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This process is most easily seen in a reduction of erythrocytes causing anaemia.
Reduction in the methylation cycle has multiple effects less easy to identify.
Ask A Laboratory Scientist
Education website offering information on laboratory tests. The content on the site, which has been reviewed by laboratory scientists and other medical professionals, provides general explanations of what results might mean for each test listed on the site, such as what a high or low value might suggest to your healthcare practitioner about your health or medical condition.
You may be able to find your test results on your laboratory’s website or patient portal. You may have been directed here by your lab’s website in order to provide you with background information about the test(s) you had performed. The reference ranges for your tests can be found on your laboratory report.
They are typically found to the right of your results. If you do not have your lab report, consult your healthcare provider or the laboratory that performed the test(s) to obtain the reference range. Laboratory test results are not meaningful by themselves.
Reference ranges are the values expected for a healthy person. They are sometimes called “normal” values. This is a reason why so few reference ranges are provided on this site.
It is important to know that you must use the range supplied by the laboratory that performed your test to evaluate whether your results are “within normal limits.”
For more information, please read the article Reference Ranges and What They Mea.
Symptoms Of Vitamin B12 Or Folate Deficiency
A deficiency in either of these vitamins can cause a wide range of problems, such as:
extreme tiredness
a lack of energy
pins and needles (paraesthesia)
a sore and red tongue
mouth ulcers
muscle weakness
disturbed vision
psychological problems, including depression and confusion
problems with memory, understanding and judgement
Some of these problems can also occur if you have a deficiency in vitamin B12 or folate, but don’t have anaemia.