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This page/column contains information which may be of interest to consumers. The information is based on articles which appear in Australian Prescriber. As Australian Prescriber is written for health professionals, you should discuss any issues raised by this page/column with your doctor or pharmacist. They will be able to give a more detailed answer to your questions by reading the main article.
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Australian Prescriber Vol. 22 No. 1 1999
Appropriate use of tests for folate and vitamin B12 deficiency
Everyone's diet should include vitamin B12 and folate. Both these vitamins are needed to make normal blood cells. If either vitamin is lacking in the diet, anaemia can develop. A deficiency of vitamin B12 can also damage the nerves in the spine.
Vitamin B12 is found in meat, especially liver and kidney. The body's usual needs can be met by a normal diet, but some vegetarians risk becoming deficient.
Folate is also found in liver, but the main supply is in vegetables, particularly broccoli and spinach. The usual intake of folate is not much more than the body needs, so a deficiency can occur quickly. Pregnant women need more folate. There is evidence that folate supplements, taken just before and during the first few weeks of pregnancy, can prevent some birth defects.
