Folate (vitamin B9) measures the level of folic acid in your blood. Folate is essential for cell growth, DNA formation, and red blood cell production.
Category: Vitamins & Minerals
Also known as: folate, folic acid, vitamin b9, serum folate
Reference range: 2.7–17 ng/mL (Source: ABIM)
Standard unit: ng/mL
High values may indicate
High folate levels are usually not harmful but may mask vitamin B12 deficiency. Very high levels from supplementation may be associated with certain health concerns under investigation.
Low values may indicate
Low folate levels may indicate folate deficiency anemia, poor dietary intake, malabsorption, alcoholism, or pregnancy-related depletion. Deficiency during pregnancy increases the risk of neural tube defects.