What is Folate? Folate is a natural and water-soluble form of vitamin B9. It's naturally found in various foods, while some are added to foods to make a supplement known as folic acid, which is easily absorbed by the body. Folate has many functions. It contributes to forming DNA and RNA and in metabolising protein. It also has a crucial role in processing the amino acid homocysteine. Further, it's necessary in producing healthy red blood cells and vital in growth and development, especially during pregnancy when there's a higher demand for it. What is Anaemia? Anaemia occurs when the body experiences a decrease in haemoglobin or red blood cells' quantity or quality. Haemoglobin is a protein present in red cells responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to other body organs. Anaemia comes in various forms, with each having its cause. It can also be short or long-term and range from mild to severe. Further, it serves as a warning sign of a more serious illness. What is Vitamin B12 or Folate Deficiency Anaemia? This kind of anaemia occurs when the body doesn't have enough vitamin B12 and folate levels, causing it to produce abnormal red blood cells that don't function properly. These nutrients are crucial for the red blood cell's normal development and functions. They also help in making and repairing DNA. Folate or vitamin B9 and vitamin B12 are complex B vitamins that enable the whole body to work effectively. A home anaemia test is vital to detect deficiency because the body can neither produce folate nor vitamin B12. You can get these nutrients from food or supplements. The body can also not store large amounts of folate, causing you to be deficient as quickly as a few weeks. However, many healthy individuals have enough stored vitamin B12 for up to 5 years. Deficiency in either of these vitamins is a sign of chronic shortage. Vitamin B12 and Folate Deficiency Symptoms Iron testing at home is helpful, but it's also essential to identify the symptoms of vitamin B12 and folate deficiency. These symptoms develop gradually but worsen when left untreated for a long time. Aside from producing fewer red blood cells, anaemia also causes your body to have lower haemoglobin concentration, which transports oxygen to different body parts. The symptoms include: Fatigue headaches lethargy feeling faint shortness of breath skin paleness heart palpitations loss of appetite weight loss tinnitus Vitamin B12 Deficiency Symptoms Having a balanced diet can provide you with vitamin B12. However, you should never rule out deficiency, especially if you are a strict vegan or have a poor diet. Though mild deficiency won't show symptoms, you may become anaemic if left untreated. Some of the most common symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency are: Pale skin Weakness or tiredness Mouth ulcers Inflamed or smooth tongue Shortness of breath Vision loss Cognitive decline like memory loss Loss of taste Loss of appetite Constipation Diarrhoea Mental problems like paranoia and depression Nerve problems such as tingling, muscle weakness, and changes in the way you move Once you experience these symptoms, have a home anaemia test done. Also, those with vitamin B12 deficiency but not anaemic may have these symptoms. Meanwhile, you'll have a higher risk of vitamin B12 deficiency if you have: Atrophic gastritis or having a thin stomach lining Pernicious anaemia which prevents the body from absorbing vitamin B12 properly Crohn's disease, celiac disease, and other health problems affecting the small intestine Too much alcohol intake prevents proper absorption of nutrients Glossitis or having a swollen and inflamed tongue Graves' disease, lupus, and other immune system disorders Medications that affect vitamin B12 absorption, such as those used for treating heartburn, like proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), H2 blockers, and medicines for diabetes. Under a strict vegan diet wherein you don't eat animal products, including dairy Vegetarian diet with not enough eggs or dairy products Family history of the disease HIV Folate Deficiency Anaemia Symptoms Folate deficiency occurs when your blood has insufficient vitamin B9 or folate to help it function correctly. A home anaemia test can help you check your levels of this nutrient. It can cause various symptoms and complications if left untreated. Here are some of the common signs you should look out for: Diarrhoea Loss of taste Depression Weakness Pins and needles are usually felt in the hands and feet Meanwhile, you'll have a higher risk of folate deficiency if you are: Taking too much alcohol Pregnant Constantly eating overcooked foods Consuming an unhealthy diet Experiencing other medical conditions like sickle cell disease Having malabsorption syndromes like inflammatory bowel disease and celiac disease Taking certain medications [TEST] Causes of Vitamin B12 and B9 Deficiency Anaemia Once you have confirmed through a home anaemia test that you have vitamin B12 and B9 deficiency, it's time to equip yourself with a better understanding of your condition by learning about its causes. According to NHS, pernicious anaemia is the most common cause of anaemia in the UK. It refers to an autoimmune disorder wherein your body's immune cells attack the cells in the stomach, producing a protein called intrinsic factor. It combines with Vitamin B12 for proper absorption through a portion of your gut known as distal ileum. Vitamin B12 won't be absorbed once the intrinsic factor comes under attack. Who are at risk of having pernicious anaemia? Women in their 60s, individuals with a family history of this disorder, and those with other autoimmune disorders like vitiligo and Addison's disease are most at risk. Vitamin B12 Deficiency Causes Pernicious anaemia is the leading cause of vitamin B12 deficiency. It's an autoimmune condition that affects the stomach and prevents the body from absorbing vitamin B12. However, there are other causes you must be aware of. This nutrient can be naturally obtained from animal-based foods. If you have a poor diet or don't eat such products, you're at risk of vitamin B12 deficiency. Other causes include: Stomach-related health conditions Bariatric surgery Gastric bypass Total or partial gastrectomy Inflammatory bowel disease Crohn's disease Certain medications, such as metformin stomach acid blockers and proton pump inhibitors Vitamin B9 or Folate Deficiency Causes The body can't store folate for long, so you need to consume foods rich in this nutrient. The most common cause of deficiency is the lack of dietary intake of folate or vitamin B9. Another is excessive urinating and malabsorption of folate. Other causes of folate deficiency include: Infections Coeliac disease Cancer Blood disorders Pregnancy Medicines for treating epilepsy Vitamin B12 Deficiency Diagnosis and Treatment This deficiency is usually found after a medical exam, like a home anaemia test. Your doctor will also examine your medical history and conduct a physical exam. Additional blood tests or procedures like a bone marrow biopsy are sometimes performed. Your doctor will provide you with the best treatment by considering several factors. For instance, your age and medical history. Your overall health, the severity of your condition, and whether it will probably get worse, and how your body can handle certain medications and treatments will also be considered. Most importantly, your doctor would want to know your opinion and preference before providing you with probable treatments. Before your treatment starts, it's also best to determine the cause of your deficiency. Many can be treated with supplements in the form of tablets or injections. If your deficiency is diet-related, your doctor will recommend vitamin B12 tablets to be taken between meals. Another option is an injection of hydroxocobalamin, which can be given twice a year. Most importantly, you must include more vitamin B12-rich foods in your diet. Some of the best sources are: Animal liver and kidneys Clams Mussels Mackerel Crab Sardines Beef Tuna Trout Salmon Eggs Poultry Milk and dairy products Fortified foods like cereals and nutritional yeast On the other hand, if your deficiency isn't diet-related, your doctor will recommend taking a vitamin B12 injection as required. The dose will depend on the severity of your symptoms. Folate Deficiency Diagnosis and Treatment One of the best treatments for people suffering from folate deficiency is supplementation in the form of folic acid tablets. Taking the recommended dosage and a high folic dietary intake can help increase levels. Folate deficiency can be diagnosed with a blood test like a home anaemia test, which checks your folate levels. Treatment involves increasing your intake of folate-rich foods. Your doctor may also recommend taking a folate or folic acid supplement. However, those with genetic mutations that prevent proper folate absorption, like MTHFR, must take methylated folate to avoid deficiency. Also, pregnant women must stop taking alcohol. Having a nutritious diet is critical to avoiding folate deficiency. Here are some of the best sources of folate: Peas Citrus Tomato juice Bananas Melons Beans Asparagus Mushrooms Legumes Wheat bran Brussels sprouts Leafy, green vegetables like spinach and broccoli Kidney and liver meat Shellfish Poultry Pork Fortified cereals It's essential to meet the daily recommended folate dose of 400 micrograms. If you intend to become pregnant, you must take a folate supplement to avoid deficiency and ensure normal foetal growth. However, avoid folic acid-fortified foods if you have MTHFR because some variants of this genetic mutation hinder folic acid from being broken down to methyl folate. Also, you must take a supplement if you're under medications that can cause folate deficiency. Folate deficiency is common, especially among pregnant women. Always remember to consult your doctor before taking any supplement. Monitoring Vitamin B12 and Folate Levels At-home testing allows people to monitor their vitamin B12 and folate levels without leaving their homes. Many available anaemia home test kits guarantee fast and accurate results, such as Vitall's Anaemia Home Test Kit home blood test. This anaemia test assesses your blood cells, B vitamins, and iron levels by measuring biomarkers such as your full blood count and iron profile. The test includes a blood test kit with all the necessary materials to collect your blood sample and send it to an accredited laboratory for free. If you don't like taking your blood sample, you can request a home nurse visit or go to a clinic and have it done for you by a professional. You'll access your results online within 24 hours. You can also share your results with your doctor. In some cases, you may need to take other blood tests. Aside from providing a practical assessment of your risk of anaemia, Vitall's Anaemia Home Test Kit is also ideal for those who are already anaemic and taking supplements. This test panel can help assess the effectiveness of your supplements regarding your iron, B vitamins, and haemoglobin levels. Once your results are in, you can share them with your doctor for necessary adjustments to your dosage. At-home testing is an affordable and convenient alternative to visiting a private clinic or doctor for a blood test. You don't need to make an appointment, beat the traffic, or expose yourself to the stress of waiting in line. Summary Vitamin B12 and B9 or folate are essential in developing normal red blood cells. It also plays a crucial role in the production and repair of DNA. Once you experience a deficiency in these nutrients, it will disrupt these functions and cause various side effects that will affect your overall health. Taking a home anaemia test is one way to check your levels of these nutrients. Also, it's essential to understand what causes your deficiencies in the first place. It would be best to learn to recognise the signs and symptoms that go with them. It will help your doctor to recommend the best treatment for you.