You should be reading this webpage if you have received an SMS/text message from Calsayseat Medical Group.
You have received this message because the results of your recent blood test show that your folate levels are low and needs to be treated. This is usually treated with a prescription for a folic acid tablet, which should be taken once daily, and should restore your levels to normal after 2-3 months. Prescriptions will be sent directly to your nominated pharmacy. Please call reception if you would like us to do something else with it.
The tablets are usually well tolerated by patients. If you feel the tablets are upsetting you, please let your doctor know.
Folic acid is a B vitamin which is vital for the formation of red blood
cells. The form which occurs naturally in food is called ‘folate’.
What does folic acid do?
Folic acid, together with vitamin B12, is necessary to form red blood
cells. A deficiency can reduce the ability of red blood cells to carry
oxygen, this is called ‘macrocytic’ (large cell) anaemia.
Together, both vitamins also help nerves to function properly.
It is especially important for anyone wanting to become pregnant to have good levels of folic acid, as it is vital for the development of a baby’s nervous system.
Sources of folic acid
Folate is found naturally in a wide variety of foods, and is also present in
foods fortified with folic acid.
As it is a water-soluble vitamin (dissolves easily in water), it is lost from
vegetables during cooking. This can be reduced by avoiding over-
cooking, and steaming or microwaving vegetables instead of boiling.
How much folic acid do I need?
If you are not likely to become pregnant, you should be able to obtain
sufficient amounts of folate in your diet by eating a healthy diet
containing a wide variety of foods.
Folic acid deficiency – what happens if I don’t get enough?
Deficiency can result in some general symptoms – tiredness (caused by
anaemia), weakness, diarrhoea, loss of appetite and weight loss.
It can also cause headaches, heart palpitations, a sore tongue and
behavioural disorders.
Deficiency can occur if you are not getting enough folate in your diet or if
requirements increase (such as during pregnancy).
Information taken from BDA website May 2022
Sometimes deficiency can occur if losses are excessive (such as in
Crohn’s disease or untreated coeliac disease), if you are using some
medications such as water tablets (diuretics), or in alcoholism.
Good sources of folic acid
Spinach, kale, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, broccoli
Beans and legumes (e.g. peas, blackeye beans)
Yeast and beef extracts
Oranges and orange juice
Wheat bran and other whole grain foods
Poultry, pork, shellfish and liver
Fortified foods (e.g. some brands of breakfast cereals – check the label)
When the tablets are running low, please make an appointment with the CTAC nursing team (01224 550200) to have your bloods rechecked. Please also look at NHS choices for advice on good sources of dietary folate (usually green leafy veg). Vitamins and minerals – B vitamins and folic acid – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
If you have any questions about this please contact us at the practice.
