Folic acid Vitamin B11
We have new tubes that can be used to send folic acid. However, light must not get in, which is why we provide aluminum foil to wrap the tube in after the blood collection.
Folic acid is necessary for the production and repair of cells and tissues. It is not produced by the body itself and must be ingested through food.
Folic acid is mainly present in animal products such as (red) meat, fish, poultry, milk and eggs and in cereal products such as bread and cornflakes. Folic acid is also found in leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, beans and legumes.
Especially in the production of red blood cells, sufficient vitamin B12 and folic acid is necessary. Folic acid plays a major role in cell division and is therefore of great importance during pregnancy in connection with the growth of the fetus.
A deficiency of folic acid or vitamin B12 can be caused by:
- Reduced absorption from food, because someone eats too few products containing vitamin B12 or folic acid, or because the intestines cannot absorb the vitamin B12 and folic acid properly.
- an increased excretion of vitamin B12 or folic acid via the kidneys. This can be caused by some medicines or by excessive alcohol consumption.
- increased need of vitamin B12 or folic acid such as during pregnancy. In this situation, the growth of the fetus requires additional vitamin B12 and folic acid.
