Folate Deficiency London – Tired or Losing Hair?
By Tharb Faisl
What is Folate & Why Is It So Critical? Folate (vitamin B9) is a water-soluble B-vitamin naturally found in leafy greens, legumes, eggs and liver. It gets converted inside your body to tetrahydrofolate (THF) — a crucial coenzyme that:
Builds DNA & RNA (needed every time your cells divide)
Supports methylation, a biochemical process that turns genes on & off, clears toxins, and makes neurotransmitters like serotonin & dopamine.
Helps convert homocysteine into methionine, reducing cardiovascular risks.
Without enough folate, these critical processes stall. You literally can’t repair cells properly – affecting everything from your gut lining to your scalp hair follicles.
Book Your Folate Deficiency Test in London Today!
The Biochemical Domino Effect: Why It’s Not Just Folate
Most people think of folate in isolation, but it’s a tightly linked dance with:
Vitamin B12
B12 and folate work together to recycle homocysteine. If you’re low on B12, folate can’t do its job — and vice versa. That’s why checking serum folate without serum vitamin B12 is almost pointless.
Iron
Folate is essential to form healthy, mature red blood cells. Iron is the raw material that goes inside them.
Without folate, you get large but empty cells (megaloblastic anaemia).
Without iron, you get small, pale cells (microcytic anaemia).
Either way, your blood can’t carry oxygen — leading to fatigue, breathlessness, and brain fog.
Thyroid (Serum TSH)
Even mildly underactive thyroid function (TSH creeping above 3.5-4) slows the absorption of iron and folate from your gut. Hypothyroidism also reduces your stomach acid, which is crucial for B12 absorption.
That’s why thyroid screening (serum TSH & free T4) is a core part of fatigue panels at Marylebone.
Book Your Folate Deficiency Test in London Today!
Symptoms: How Does Folate Deficiency Actually Show Up?
Most clients come to us not saying “I think I have low folate,” but with vague, creeping problems like:
- Constant tiredness, even after 8 hours sleep.
- Hair thinning, brittle nails, or pale skin.
- Feeling winded climbing stairs.
- Low mood, irritability, or more anxiety than usual – methylation impacts neurotransmitter balance.
- Mouth ulcers, burning tongue or a weirdly sore mouth.
Because folate, B12 & iron deficiencies look similar on the outside, only blood tests can unravel which is the driver.
Book Your Folate Deficiency Test in London Today!
The Tests That Reveal the Truth
At Marylebone Diagnostic Centre, we never just test folate. We design comprehensive panels to catch the full picture, including:
| Test | Why it Matters |
| Serum Folate | Direct measure of folate reserves |
| Serum B12 | Works hand-in-hand with folate to recycle homocysteine |
| Ferritin, Iron, TIBC | Shows iron stores & active transport |
| Serum TSH & Free T4 | Thyroid function — slows nutrient absorption |
| Homocysteine (optional) | Elevated if methylation is struggling, risks heart disease |
| Full Blood Count (FBC) | Shows if you’re already anaemic |
Book Your Folate Deficiency Test in London Today!
Can Food Fix It? The Real Role of Iron-Rich & Folate-Rich Foods
Diet absolutely helps – but if you’re already low, it might not be enough to normalise levels quickly.
Best foods for folate
- Spinach, kale, chard, broccoli
- Lentils, chickpeas, beans
- Avocado, asparagus
Best for iron & B12
- Red meat, liver (top source)
- Eggs, salmon
- Fortified cereals (helpful but less bioavailable)
Citrus fruits or a splash of lemon juice helps your gut absorb iron. Meanwhile, coffee or tea can block it.
Book Your Folate Deficiency Test in London Today!
Why We Often Test Homocysteine & Methylation Markers
When folate, B12 or B6 run low, homocysteine climbs. This can damage blood vessels, raise stroke risk, and even trigger inflammation in the brain.
That’s why many of our fatigue or wellness panels optionally include homocysteine — it’s like the canary in the coal mine for your methylation cycle.
Real Example from Our Clinic
“Emma, 42 from Marylebone, came in for hair loss & mood swings. Her GP said it was stress. We found low folate & borderline B12, plus a TSH creeping to 4.2.With targeted supplements & a bit of diet change, her hair stopped shedding within 3 months — and she told us she finally felt like herself again.”
Book Your Folate Deficiency Test in London Today!
Why Choose Marylebone Diagnostic Centre for Folate & Anaemia Testing?
- Located in the heart of Baker Street, near Harley Street, Mayfair & Paddington.
- Same-day appointments & 24–48-hour results, so you don’t wait weeks.
- Doctor-reviewed tests — explained in normal language, not confusing lab jargon.
- 100% private. We don’t send results to your GP unless you want us to.
- Can combine folate checks with vitamin D, thyroid or hair mineral tests for a true full-body insight.
Book Your Folate Deficiency Test in London Today!
FAQs
Book Your Folate Deficiency Test in London Today!
Ready to Stop Guessing & Start Fixing It?
Thousands of Londoners feel tired, foggy, or lose hair — often just from hidden folate, B12 or thyroid issues.
Book your advanced fatigue & anaemia panel today at Marylebone Diagnostic Centre.
We’re here to help you feel like yourself again — stronger, clearer, and more resilient.
Call +44 7495 970109 or book online
Book Your Folate Deficiency Test in London Today!
Read More
Thyroid UK – Understanding Thyroid Function
National Institutes of Health – Folate Fact Sheet
