Serum Folate level 3.4 ug/l

[mc88]

My Serum Folate level is 3.4 ug/l

Can anyone advise if this is low?

My GP signed off as satisfactory

Thanks in advance

Megan

[clivealive Forum Support]

Hi mc88 depends on the <From - To> range but it is probably only just above the bottom so would be classed as "Normal".

[Gambit62 Administrator]

from the BCSH guidelines on diagnosis and treatment of cobalamin and folate disorders

There is no clear consensus on the level of serum folate that indicates deficiency. Conventionally, clinicians have used serum folate lower than 7 nmol/l (3 μg/l) as a guideline because the risk of megaloblastic anaemia greatly increases below this level. However, there is a sizeable ‘indeterminate zone’ [between approximately 7 and 10 nmol/l (3 and 4·5 μg/l)]. Therefore, a low serum folate level should be taken as suggestive of deficiency rather than as a highly sensitive diagnostic test.

your results are in the indeterminate zone.

What is your diet like in terms of fresh fruit and veg? if it is good then there is a possibility that you have an absorption problem.

[mc88]

Thank you

I have a well balanced diet in terms of fruit and veg. Minimal sugars and saturated fats.

I have an appointment with my consultant in a few weeks I’m going to push for absorption tests.

Megan