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Folic acid is required for the synthesis of DNA and the normal functioning
of RBCs and WBCs.
Although some folic acid is produced by bacteria in the intestine and
absorbed, most of the body's folic acid needs are met through dietary
sources (eggs, milk, fruit, green vegetables).
After several weeks of folic acid deficiency, anemia develops.
Decreased levels of Folic Acid are often seen in:
- Malnutrition
- Liver disease associated with alcoholism
- Pregnancy
- Megaloblastic anemia
- Hemolytic anemia
- Intestinal malabsorbtion syndromes
- Hypherthyroidism
- Some cancers
- Drugs:
- Alcohol
- Anticonvulsants
- Antimalarials
- Methotrexate
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Normal Values*
*These are general values taken from a variety of
sources. The actual normal values may vary from lab to lab and from one
type of testing protocol to another.
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