What does a high folate level indicate?

What does a high folate level indicate?

High levels of folate in the blood may mean that you eat a diet rich in folate or folic acid, take vitamins, or take folic acid pills. Consuming more folate than the body needs does not cause problems. High folate levels can also mean a vitamin B12 deficiency. Body cells need vitamin B12 to use folate.

Can high folate levels mask B12 deficiency?

There is concern that high intakes of folic acid from fortified food and dietary supplements might mask the macrocytic anemia of vitamin B12 deficiency, thereby eliminating an important diagnostic sign.

What does high folate and low B12 mean?

The people with low B12 and high folate levels were more likely to have anemia than did people with low B12 levels and normal folate levels. However, many of these studies were conducted in older people, a group more likely to have difficulty absorbing B12.

What is the relationship between B12 and folate?

Vitamin B12 and folate are two B complex vitamins that the body needs for several important functions. They are required to make normal red blood cells, white blood cells, repair tissues and cells, and synthesize DNA. B12 is also important for normal nerve cell function.

Is it bad to have too much folate?

You can’t get too much from foods that naturally contain folate. You should not get more than 1,000 micrograms of folic acid a day, unless your doctor prescribes a higher amount. Too much folic acid can hide signs that you lack vitamin B12, which can cause nerve damage.

How long does folate stay in the body?

Your body’s store of folate is usually enough to last 4 months. This means you need folate in your daily diet to ensure your body has sufficient stores of the vitamin.

What symptom of vitamin B12 deficiency is masked by high folate intake?

The results of the first study suggest that during vitamin B12 deficiency, high serum folate levels exacerbate (rather than mask) anemia and also exacerbate cognitive symptoms.

What does B12 folate mean on a blood test?

Vitamin B12 and folate tests measure vitamin levels in the liquid portion of the blood (serum or plasma) to detect deficiencies. Sometimes the amount of folate inside red blood cells may also be measured.

What is the difference between folate and vitamin B12?

Vitamin B12, also called cobalamin, is found in foods from animals, such as red meat, fish, poultry, milk, yogurt, and eggs. Folate (Vitamin B9) refers to a natural occurring form of the vitamin, whereas folic acid refers to the supplement added to foods and drinks.

What are the side effects of too much folate?

When taken by mouth: It is likely safe for most people to take folic acid in doses of no more than 1 mg daily. Doses higher than 1 mg daily may be unsafe. These doses might cause stomach upset, nausea, diarrhea, irritability, confusion, behavior changes, skin reactions, seizures, and other side effects.

Can folate be toxic?

Oral folic acid (pteroylglutamic acid) is generally regarded as not toxic for normal humans but it may cause neurological injury when given to patients with undiagnosed pernicious anemia.

Is too much folate bad?

How can you tell the difference between folate and B12 deficiency?

Additional testing with homocysteine and MMA determinations may help distinguish between B12 and folate deficiency states. In folate deficiency, homocysteine levels are elevated and MMA levels are normal. In vitamin B12 deficiency, both homocysteine levels and MMA levels are elevated.

Can you take folic acid and vitamin B12 at the same time?

No interactions were found between folic acid and Vitamin B12. This does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.

Is vitamin B12 the same as folate?

What happens when B12 levels are high?

However, supplementing with excessively high levels of B12 has been linked to some negative side effects. Several studies have shown that megadoses of the vitamin can lead to outbreaks of acne and rosacea, a skin condition that causes redness and pus-filled bumps on the face.

Why would B12 levels be high?

The most common cause of high B12 in the blood is due to recent ingestion or injection of supplemental vitamin B12. We don’t worry about overdosing on B12 supplements because excess can be excreted in your urine. It could also be possibly from your diet if high in animal products such as meat, eggs, and shellfish.

How long does it take to correct a B12 deficiency?

Once you begin treating your vitamin B12 deficiency, it can take up to six to 12 months to fully recover. It is also common to not experience any improvement during the first few months of treatment.