What is Folate?

Cancer prevention action week

Folate is vitamin B9 and the natural equivalent to Folic Acid. It can be found in green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, grains and eggs.
Symptoms of Folate deficiency include low mood, lack of energy, muscle weakness, memory loss, pins and needles and mouth ulcers.
Folate works alongside B12 to support methylation in the body.
Folate and B12 convert homocysteine to methionine, which can aid weight loss.
Inadequate Folate can lead to excessive levels of homocysteine which may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease or stroke.
Folate is essential for DNA replication and cell repair.
It is required to make healthy red bloods cells and inadequate amounts can lead to megaloblastic anaemia.
It can prevent neural tube defects, including spina bifida in babies.
Folic acid is a fortified alternative, which cannot be converted to folate in the body by some people.
Alcohol can block the absorption of B vitamins, leading to deficiency for both folate and B12.

A blood test can be carried out, which I can offer on a private basis or provide a GP request.
I can provide a review and analysis, following an GP/NHS blood test.