Folic Acid Lab Values

Normal
2 - 20 ng/mL

Indications

• Diagnose megaloblastic anemia
• Monitor effects of long-term Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN)
• Identify Folate Deficiency

Description
Folic acid is an essential water soluble B vitamin. It is stored in the liver and is an important part of Red Blood Cell (RBC) and White Blood Cell (WBC) function, DNA replication, and cell division.

What would cause increased levels?

• Excess folate intake

What would cause decreased levels?

• Vitamin B12 deficiency
• Pernicious anemia
• Hemolytic anemia
• Celiac Disease or Crohn Disease
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBS)
• Alcoholism
• Malnutrition