What Does FIGLU Stand For?

FIGLU stands for Formiminoglutamic Acid

FIGLU, or Formiminoglutamic Acid, is an intermediate compound in the metabolism of histidine, an essential amino acid. It is primarily involved in the catabolism of this amino acid and serves as a significant biomarker in the detection of vitamin B12 deficiency and folate status in clinical settings. Elevated levels of FIGLU in urine indicate impaired folate metabolism, thus aiding in the diagnosis of various hematological disorders and nutritional deficiencies.