For those following a vegan diet, who do not take B12 supplements or eat foods rich in B12, or for those with a generally poor diet, B12 deficiency can present itself. As well to doctors, some nutritionists might also request blood tests are carried out to monitor levels of B12 and folate.
Test code: FOLA, TB12,
Price: £105
Folate, or vitamin B9, is an important micronutrient that plays a key role in many aspects of health, including DNA synthesis, red blood cell formation, and fetal growth and development.
It’s important to get enough folate in your diet to prevent anemia and other related concerns, including development abnormalities in your baby if you’re pregnant.
A deficiency in either B12 or folate can cause a range of health problems, including;
- extreme fatigue
- a lack of energy,
- pins and needles (paraesthesia),
- a sore and red tongue,
- mouth ulcers, weak muscles, problems with vision,
- psychological problems such as depression and confusion,
- problems with memory, understanding and judgement.
It is important for B12 or folate anaemia to be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible, however, some of these problems can also happen if you have a deficiency in vitamin B12 or folate but do not have anaemia.
These conditions can often be diagnosed based on your symptoms and the results of a blood test. If you have concerns that you might be deficient you should speak to a GP.
In pregnancy, taking the right amount of folic acid before and during pregnancy helps ensure normal development of the fetus and prevent neural tube defects, such as spina bifida.
