Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid) Home Test Kit

A vitamin B9 test is taken to assess whether a person is suffering from folate deficiency. Symptoms of folate deficiency are varied, and may include the following:

• Tiredness
• Pins and needles
• Muscle weakness
• Mouth ulcers
• Memory problems

However, it is important to note that many people who have a folate deficiency do not experience symptoms. Folate deficiency can affect people of all ages, although it is more commonly seen in older people.

There is minimal preparation required with a Bluecrest vitamin B9 home test kit. You can continue to eat and drink as normal beforehand. Full preparation instruction will be disclosed in your confirmation email once you buy your home test kit online.

Vitamin B9, also known as folate or folic acid, is often grouped with vitamin B12 as they both play an important role in keeping the blood and nervous system healthy. Vitamin B9 also has an important role in reducing the risk of certain birth defects such as spina bifida.

Because of the relationship between vitamins B9 and B12 it is usual to test the levels of both of them together at the same time. This is also usually done in combination with a blood test to look at the red blood cells themselves.

The normal level of vitamin B9 varies between laboratories but as a guide it is above around 4.5μg/L. Levels that are lower than this may indicate a deficiency, and your doctor may need to undertake additional tests to assess whether this is the case.

Treating someone for vitamin B9 deficiency, without treating a vitamin B12 deficiency they also have, can cause neurological damage. Therefore it is essential that you do not try to diagnose the cause of any vitamin B9 deficiency yourself or try to treat it.

It is possible to have low folate levels without a clinical issue. However, your GP may need to undertake further testing to rule out the following potential issues including:

• Poor diet – a deficiency can be caused by a diet lacking B12 and B9. This is particularly common for people following a strict vegetarian or vegan diet, or those not eating a balanced diet including plenty of vegetables. This can easily be rectified with a better meal plan and / or supplements.
• Digestive disorders – your digestive system may not be absorbing folate properly.
• Blood conditions – certain blood conditions such as sickle cell anaemia or spherocytosis mean your body needs more folate than normal and can result in a folate deficiency.
• Liver damage – such as from drinking too much alcohol.

Maintaining a healthy, balanced diet is essential to avoiding deficiencies and maintaining good health in general.  Most people can get the amount of folate they need through eating a healthy balanced diet.  Folate can be found in small amounts in many different foods including:

• Brussel sprouts
• Broccoli
• Leafy greens
• Chickpeas, peas and kidney beans
• Fortified breakfast cereals
• Liver (to be avoided during pregnancy)