You undertook the test for folate and got your results. But you still need help determining if you have antibodies in the normal range. Read this section to understand how to go about your cancer diagnosis with your healthcare professional.
What Do Folate Test Results Mean?
If you're wondering what your folate test results mean, here's how you can understand them.
Low folate levels can indicate a deficiency, leading to health problems such as anemia, congenital disabilities, and damage to the nervous system. High folate levels can also indicate a health problem, such as liver disease or overconsumption of folic acid supplements.
It's crucial to interpret the test results in the context of your overall health and in consultation with an experienced doctor, who can determine the best course of action based on the results.
What is Folic Acid Test Normal Range?
The usual range for folate levels in blood is between 3 and 20 ng/mL. The particular normal range, however, can vary based on the laboratory performing the test and the population being tested, thus it is always recommended to speak with a healthcare physician or refer to the reference range provided by the laboratory that did the test.
What Medical Conditions Can Elevated Folate Levels?
Some of the mentioned medical diseases can produce an increase in folate levels in the blood:
- When the liver is not working properly, folates can accumulate in the blood.
- Consumption of Alcohol can increase folate levels.
- Some cancers can produce prominent folate levels say colon and pancreatic cancer.
- Certain tumors, such as pancreatic and colon, can produce high quantities of folate.
- Anticonvulsants and methotrexate are some drugs that can have an effect on folate levels.
What Medical Conditions Can Cause Low Folate Levels?
Your folate levels can decrease due to the following medical conditions:
- Anemia: Folate is required to produce red blood cells, and folate deficiency can trigger megaloblastic anemia, where the red blood cells produced are large and abnormal, leading to fatigue and weakness.
- Neural Tube Defects: Folate is vital for proper brain development. A deficiency during pregnancy can increase the risk of congenital disabilities (birth defects), including neural tube defects.
- Cognitive Impairment: A long-term deficiency in folate can lead to cognitive impairment, including memory loss and confusion.
- Depression: Low folate levels have been associated with an increased risk of depression and mood disorders.
