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Folic acid (folate) – vitamin B9

Folic acid is essential for the development and growth of the body, haematopoiesis, metabolism of proteins, normal functioning of the liver and intestine, mental and emotional health, hair, nails, and skin.

Folic acid is particularly important during pregnancy, because it helps the placenta grow, protects against foetus deformities, premature birth or underweight babies.

Folic acid deficiency results in reduced excretion of gastric juices and, in turn, disrupted digestion and protein elimination processes, and normal liver function.
It has been shown that folic acid helps avoid certain forms of cancer and cardiovascular diseases.

Prior registration is not required; upon arrival, please go straight to reception.

Information on how to prepare for the test is available HERE

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Why it is worth

To be examined at our Centre?

  • The laboratory is accredited with the ISO 15189 standard, thus you can be confident that your tests will be performed to the highest quality.
  • You will find out the results of the main tests within 1–2 hours and the rest within 1 day, except in cases where this is impossible due to the technological process (e. g. time it takes for a culture to grow).
  • The results of the tests carried will be explained by our laboratory specialists. This service is only offered by a few laboratories in the country.
  • If required, we can perform further tests using the same sample of blood, for up to 7 days after the sampling.
  • No danger of damaging or mixing up the test samples due to transportation.
  • Tests can be carried out anonymously.

Good to know

First of all, this test is recommended for women who are planning to conceive, are pregnant and who are nursing due to an increased need for folic acid; people who feel constant fatigue, those with anaemia, diabetes mellitus, epilepsy, cirrhosis of the liver and cancer; after intestinal operations, those who abuse alcohol and narcotic substances, take certain medicines (e.g. phenytoin, trimethoprim, methotrexate) or contraceptives; older people and anybody who does not include lots of fresh leafy vegetables in their diet.

  • weakness;
  • sleep disorders;
  • changing moods;
  • headache;
  • distraction, poor memory;
  • diarrhoea;
  • splitting hair, nails;
  • flaking skin.


The recommended daily dose of folic acid for a healthy person is 400 micrograms (mcg), pregnant women – 600 mcg, nursing women – 500 mcg.

In rare cases, excess folic acid occurs, and this may cause digestion disorders, rash, and insomnia. Increasingly more scientific studies confirm that excess folic acid in women may be associated with autism diagnosis in children. It is therefore advisable to have a test and consult a physician about the recommended dose before taking folic acid supplements.

It has been proved that long-term and significant folic acid (vitamin B9) deficiency may influence the development of the following diseases:

  • anaemia (iron deficiency);
  • depression;
  • inflammations of the mouth, stomach and intestinal mucous membranes;
  • anorexia.

Together with the folic acid test, it is generally recommended to have a vitamin B12 test carried out, as a deficiency of both of these vitamins can be the cause of megaloblastic anaemia. In this case, it is important to determine which vitamin is lacking. Treatment of folic acid deficiency with vitamin B12 and treatment of the vitamin B12 deficiency with folic acid may result in additional complications of anaemia.

  • Your test results will be ready within 1 day.
    You can pick them up at the reception or, if you wish, we will email them.
  • For an explanation of test results, you should call the laboratory tel. (+370) 247 64 17.

FAQ (frequently asked questions)

Products rich in folic acid include fresh and thermally non-processed green leafy vegetables (spinach, parsley, lettuce), broccoli, avocadoes, lentils, wheat germ, kidneys, eggs, beer yeast, cow’s milk, and orange juice.

Doctors recommend taking additional folic acid supplements at least 2-3 months before conceiving. It is worth noting that folic acid should be accumulated by both the woman due to increased need for it during pregnancy, and the man. Folic acid deficiency decreases sperm quality thus reducing the possibility to conceive and increasing the possibility of foetus deformities.

Contact your family doctor or internist or register to visit a physician specialising in this field at our Centre. Please find the prices for a consultation HERE.

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