Folic Acid

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Folate (Folic Acid)

Folic acid is required for the synthesis of DNA and the normal functioning of RBCs and WBCs.

Although some folic acid is produced by bacteria in the intestine and absorbed, most of the body's folic acid needs are met through dietary sources (eggs, milk, fruit, green vegetables).

After several weeks of folic acid deficiency, anemia develops.

Decreased levels of Folic Acid are often seen in:

Malnutrition
Liver disease associated with alcoholism
Pregnancy
Megaloblastic anemia
Hemolytic anemia
Intestinal malabsorbtion syndromes
Hypherthyroidism
Some cancers
Drugs:
- Alcohol
- Anticonvulsants
- Antimalarials
- Methotrexate

Normal Values*

Folic Acid

3-17 ng/ml

*These are general values taken from a variety of sources. The actual normal values may vary from lab to lab and from one type of testing protocol to another.

The information contained here is an abbreviated summary. For more detailed and complete information, consult the manufacturer's product information sheets or standard textbooks

Source: Operational Medicine 2001, Health Care in Military Settings, NAVMED P-5139, May 1, 2001, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, Department of the Navy, 2300 E Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20372-5300

This information is provided by The Brookside Associates. The Brookside Associates, LLC. is a private organization, not affiliated with any governmental agency. The opinions presented here are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the opinions of the Brookside Associates or the Department of Defense. The presence of any advertising on these pages does not constitute an endorsement of that product or service by either the US Department of Defense or the Brookside Associates. All material presented here is unclassified.

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