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Which of the following reflects long-term folate status?

A. Serum folate
B. RBC folate
C. Homocysteine concentration in the blood
D. Serum methylmalonic acid

User Janner
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

RBC folate best reflects long-term folate status, as it indicates the body's folate stores over time, compared to other indicators that fluctuate with diet or indicate deficiencies of multiple vitamins.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question, "Which of the following reflects long-term folate status?" deals with the assessment of folate levels in the body. Among the options provided, RBC folate is a reflection of long-term folate status because it indicates folate stores accumulated over several months, unlike serum folate which fluctuates with recent dietary intake. Elevated levels of homocysteine in the blood can indicate a deficiency in folate as well as vitamin B12 because these vitamins are necessary for homocysteine metabolism. However, homocysteine is not a direct indicator of folate stores. Serum methylmalonic acid can similarly indicate a deficiency of vitamin B12 but also does not directly reflect folate status.

User KOTJMF
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