Folic acid is a B vitamin, vitamin B9. Its name comes from the Latin word folianum, meaning leaf. It is also known as folacin, folan and pteroylglutamic acid. Indications for testing include: megaloblastic anaemia, long-term treatment with antiepileptic medicines, and an increased risk of deficiency (pregnancy, breastfeeding, the postpartum period, dialysis, alcoholism, chronic liver disease, cancer, psoriasis). Insufficient folic acid intake leads to a decrease in its concentration first in serum and then in red blood cells, resulting in megaloblastic changes in the bone marrow and other tissues. Deficiency during pregnancy may lead to neural tube defects in the foetus, premature birth, low birth weight or delayed foetal development.<\/p>\n
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