Abnormal Circulating Folate Concentration C4021037
Folate is a B vitamin important for cell growth and blood formation. Abnormal levels may result from diet or absorption issues and can be managed with supplementation if needed.
Key facts at a glance
- ICD-10
- E88.9
- ICD-11
- 5A00.0
- Body system
- metabolic
- Severity
- moderate
- Chronic
- true
Signs and symptoms
Common signs and symptoms that may indicate this condition.
Warning signs - seek immediate care
Heart failure symptoms
Severe shortness of breath, leg swelling, and exercise intolerance due to advanced anemia.
Seek immediate medical attention if experiencing chest pain, severe difficulty breathing, or fainting.
Fatigue and weakness
(constitutional)Persistent tiredness, lack of energy, and general weakness that interferes with daily activities.
Frequency: 80-90% of patients
Pallor
(hematologic)Unusually pale skin, lips, and nail beds due to reduced red blood cell count.
Frequency: 80-90% of patients
Shortness of breath
(hematologic)Difficulty breathing or feeling winded during minimal physical exertion due to anemia.
Frequency: 70-80% of patients
Mouth ulcers
(gastrointestinal)Painful sores or ulcers appearing on the inside of the mouth or on the tongue.
Frequency: 40-60% of patients
Tingling or numbness
(neurologic)Burning or prickling sensation, typically in the hands and feet, due to nerve involvement.
Frequency: 40-60% of patients
Difficulty concentrating
(neurologic)Trouble focusing, brain fog, and reduced mental clarity affecting cognitive function.
Frequency: 40-60% of patients
Excessive hair loss
(dermatologic)Abnormal or increased shedding of hair from the scalp or other body areas.
Frequency: 30-40% of patients
Glossitis
(gastrointestinal)Swollen, smooth, and unusually red tongue that may be painful or tender.
Frequency: 40-60% of patients
Rapid heartbeat
(cardiovascular)Elevated heart rate or palpitations that may occur due to anemia and increased cardiac workload.
Frequency: 20-30% of patients
Diagnosis and tests
How this condition is diagnosed and what test results mean.
Initial screening tests
Standard diagnostic workup
Positive result: Diagnostic criteria should be determined by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]
Test results should be interpreted by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]
Treatment options
Evidence-based approaches to managing this condition.
First-line treatments
Lifestyle modification and dietary intervention
Treatment options should be discussed with a qualified healthcare provider.
Folate supplementation
Oral folate supplementation to normalize circulating levels and address deficiency. Treatment typically involves daily supplementation until levels normalize.
Folate-rich diet
Increased intake of folate-dense foods including leafy greens, legumes, and fortified grains to naturally improve folate status.
Additional treatment options
B-complex vitamin therapy
Comprehensive B-vitamin supplementation to address potential co-occurring deficiencies that may affect folate metabolism.
medicationFolate level monitoring
Regular blood testing to assess folate concentrations and adjust treatment accordingly until normalization is achieved.
monitoringTreat malabsorption causes
Address underlying conditions affecting folate absorption such as celiac disease or intestinal disorders that may be causing deficiency.
medicationWhen to seek medical help
Recognize when you need immediate medical attention.
Schedule an appointment soon
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this topic.
What is Abnormal Circulating Folate Concentration C4021037?
Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical information about this condition. [Content pending medical review.]
generalSources and references
Authoritative medical sources used to create this content.
US Preventive Services Task Force. Folic Acid Supplementation for the Prevention of Neural Tube Defects: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement. JAMA. 2017;317(2):183-189.
World Health Organization. Guideline: Daily Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation in Pregnant Women. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2012.
Green R, D'Antonio J, Miller JW. The transport of folate compounds across cell membranes. In: Folate in Health and Disease. 2nd ed. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press; 2010:165-195.
Houghton LA, Sherwood KL, Pawlosky R, Ito S, O'Connor DL. [14C]-Folic acid transport in healthy term pregnant women and women with preeclampsia. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol. 2006;290(4):C1055-C1063.
Wang X, Qin X, Demirtas H, et al. Efficacy of folic acid supplementation in stroke prevention: a meta-analysis. Lancet. 2007;369(9576):1876-1882.
American Academy of Pediatrics, Committee on Genetics. Folic acid for the prevention of neural tube defects. Pediatrics. 1999;104(2):325-327.
Bailey LB, Gregory JF 3rd. Folate metabolism and requirements. J Nutr. 1999;129(4):779-782.
Stipanuk MH, Caudill MA. Biochemical, Physiological, and Molecular Aspects of Human Nutrition. 4th ed. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2019.
Institute of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Vitamin B12, Pantothenic Acid, Biotin, and Choline. Washington, DC: National Academies Press; 1998.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Folic Acid: Birth Defects Prevention. Atlanta, GA: CDC; 2023. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/folicacid/index.html
Medication Comparisons
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View Medication ComparisonsThis information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 25, 2026. · Read our editorial policy