Low Folate (Folic Acid)

Folic acid (also known as folate) is a vitamin that is important for making healthy red blood cells and for normal nerve function. Very low levels of folate can lead to anaemia.

If you have been told that your folate level is low, improving your intake can help prevent anaemia and support your overall health.

Increasing Folate in Your Diet

Folate is found in small amounts in many foods. We recommend trying to include folate-rich foods every day.

Good Sources of Folate Include:

Vegetables

• leafy green vegetables such as spinach

• asparagus

• green peas

• broccoli

• Brussels sprouts

Breakfast cereals

• fortified breakfast cereals (not all cereals are fortified – check the nutrition label on the packaging)

Pulses

• chickpeas

Fruit

• oranges

• avocados

• melon

• bananas

Fruit and vegetable juices

• orange juice

• tomato juice

Grains

• brown rice

Further Information

You can find more information about folate deficiency and anaemia on the NHS Inform website:
https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/nutritional/vitamin-b12-or-folate-deficiency-anaemia#treating-vitamin-b12-or-folate-deficiency-anaemia