Medicine
Tamin B 12 and folate are required for essential metabolic functions. Investigation of suspected iron, vitamin B 12 or folate deficiency should first be directed at establishing that the deficiency state exists, but this can be challenging because of the limitations of available biomarkers for evaluating tissue status. Blood transfusion should be avoided unless symptoms dictate otherwis.
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2 and folate are necessary for the production of the red blood cells (erythrocytes), which carry oxygen from the lungs to the tissues and carbon dioxide from tissues to lungs. Symptoms result from reduced tissue oxygenation and include weakness, lethargy, palpitation, headache and shortness of breath. The first-time laboratory test of all patients suspected of being anaemic is the full blood count.
Results of a full blood count may suggest the anaemia is caused by a nutritional deficiency of B12 folate or iron. Laboratory measurement of the concentration in blood of iron and vitamin B12 and folate, along with several other tests described here, are useful in the differential diagnosis of the anaemic patient.
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Changes in serum vitamin B12, serum folate and other biochemical parameters were monitored.
This increase was also observed in vitamin B12 levels ≤200 pmol/L (six patients, 17.1%), in whom serum vitamin B12 was above 200 pmol/L at the end of the study in all cases. Other biochemical parameters also changed. Conclusions: Data from our work suggest that iron deficiency could affect many metabolic pathways, including vitamin B12, folate and lipids.
Healthcare practitioners should be aware of these changes in IDA management.
Folic Acid
Folic acid, known as folate in its natural form, is one of the B-group vitamins. However, if you are pregnant or thinking of trying to have a baby, take a 0.4mg (400 microgram) of folic acid supplement daily from the time you stop using contraception until the 12th week of pregnancy.
This is to help prevent birth defects of the central nervous system, such as spina bifida, in your baby. If you have a family history of conditions like spina bifida (known as neural tube defects), you may need to take 5mg of folic acid each day until the 12th week of pregnancy. This is available on prescription from your GP.
Women with diabetes and those taking anti-epileptic medicines should speak to their GP for advice.
What Happens If I Take Too Much Folic Acid?
However, taking large amounts of folic acid treats the anaemia without treating the B12 deficiency. If a vitamin B12 deficiency is not noticed, it can eventually damage the nervous system. The Department of Health recommends that folic acid supplements are taken by women who are pregnant or thinking of having a baby (see above).
Women who are not pregnant or planning for a baby should be able to get all the folate they need by eating a varied and balanced diet. If you are taking folic acid supplements, it is important not to take too much because this could be harmful.