Folate (Vitamin B9, Folic Acid)

Last updated 05.10.12

Index

Features

- Water soluble vitamin

- Deficiency tested by serum & RBC folate

- Serum effected by recent diet

- Body stores last 3-4/12

- RDI: (adult)

- Routine administration pre-pregnancy & early first trimester

Dietary Sources

-

Indications

- Megaloblastic anaemia

- Dementia (reversible)

- Pepheral neuropathy

- Prevent neural tube defects in pregnancy

- Routine

- Higher dose if high risk: Anticonvulsants, obesity

- Increases serum homocystine --> prothrombic

Dose

- Pregnancy 400mcg PO Daily

- 5mg PO Daily if at higher risk

- Anaemia 5mg PO Daily