Vit B9 Folate

Stool
Optimal Result: 0 - 10.795 Healthy Relative Abundance IQR (%).

Vitamin B9 (folate or tetrahydrafolate), is essential for healthy blood cells. Gut-derived folate is directly absorbed into the colon, contributing up to 37% of the daily recommended intake. If vitamin B9 producers are low, there could be low levels of this nutrient available to the body.

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A balanced and healthy gut microbiome is necessary for the proper digestion of food and the production of essential nutrients. Gut bacteria synthesize vitamin K2 and many of the B vitamins including biotin, cobalamin, folates, nicotinic acid, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, riboflavin, and thiamine. Bacteroidetes synthesize the majority of B vitamins, however Fusobacteria, Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Actinobacteria are also capable of completing this task. Vitamin K2 is produced by many members of gut bacteria including Bacillus subtilis, E. coli, certain species of Lactobacillus, and others.

It appears that the most important factor in a well-rounded vitamin synthesis microbial network is the diversity of microbial species. For example, antibiotic usage is linked to poor vitamin K status, yet during periods of low vitamin K intake, a diverse and balanced gut microbiome can make up for dietary insufficiencies. In addition, vitamin synthesis requires a complex cross-feeding relationship among various bacterial species, underscoring the importance of diversity for vitamin production.

Generally speaking, Bacteroidetes produce the greatest number of B vitamins. Riboflavin and biotin are produced by nearly all members of Bacteroidetes, Fusobacteria, and Proteobacteria, while Firmicutes and Actinobacteria produce very little. Fusobacteria produces the greatest amount of vitamin B12. These biologically important bacteria can help you understand your unique vitamin needs based on the status of your gut microbiome.

What does it mean if your Vit B9 Folate result is too high?

Vitamin B9 (folate/tetrahydrofolate) is essential for healthy blood cells. It also promotes immune homeostasis and is a cofactor in several metabolic reactions, including DNA and amino acid synthesis. Vitamin B9 can be found in foods such as beef liver, green leafy vegetables, and asparagus. Vitamin B9 produced by intestinal bacteria is directly absorbed into the colon, contributing up to 37% of the daily recommended intake for B9. Vitamin B9 producers include Bacteroides fragilis, Prevotella copri, Clostridium difficile, Lactobacillus plantarum, L. reuteri, Streptococcus thermophilus, some species of Bifidobacterium spp, Fusobacteria, and Salmonella enterica.

Elevated levels of vitamin B9, or folate, in a gastrointestinal (GI) test can have several implications:

  1. Diet and Supplementation: High folate levels might indicate a diet rich in folic acid or the use of folate supplements. Since folate is a water-soluble vitamin, the body can excrete excess amounts through urine, so consuming more than needed typically does not cause problems.
  2. Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Elevated folate levels can sometimes suggest a vitamin B12 deficiency. This occurs because the body requires vitamin B12 to utilize folate effectively. Without sufficient vitamin B12, folate can accumulate in the blood. However, a folate test alone is not a reliable method for diagnosing vitamin B12 deficiency.
  3. Small Intestinal Bacterial Dysbiosis: Increased folate levels might also be associated with small intestinal bacterial dysbiosis. This condition can lead to an increased synthesis of folate by intestinal microbiota, resulting in elevated serum concentrations of the vitamin. Dysbiosis often occurs secondary to chronic enteropathy or other gastrointestinal disorders.

It is important to discuss elevated folate levels with a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and any necessary actions.

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