FOLATE (FOLIC ACID), SERUM

Folate is the natural form of vitamin B9, water-soluble and naturally found in many foods. It helps to form DNA and RNA and is involved in protein metabolism. Folate is also needed to produce healthy red blood cells and is critical during periods of rapid growth, such as during pregnancy and fetal development. Signs of deficiency can include: Megaloblastic anemia (a condition arising from a lack of folate in the diet or poor absorption that produces less red blood cells which are larger in size than normal), weakness, fatigue, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, difficulty concentrating, hair loss, pale skin, mouth sores.