Folate (Vitamin B9)
Folate is a B vitamin essential for cell division and red blood cell formation. Deficiency causes fatigue and anemia, and is especially risky during pregnancy.
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What Folate (Vitamin B9) measures
Folate (vitamin B9) is needed to make DNA and form healthy red blood cells. Serum folate reflects recent intake; red blood cell folate reflects longer-term status. In pregnancy, adequate folate prevents neural tube defects in the developing fetus.
Normal ranges
Reference ranges may vary slightly by lab. Always use the range provided on your specific test report.
What affects your folate (vitamin b9) level
- Low intake of leafy greens and legumes
- Alcohol (impairs absorption and storage)
- Pregnancy (greatly increased need)
- Medications: methotrexate, sulfasalazine, some antiseizure drugs
- MTHFR gene variants (reduce conversion to active form)
- Malabsorption (celiac, Crohn's)
Foods that may help
Dark leafy greens (spinach, romaine)
The word 'folate' comes from 'foliage' — these are richest
Lentils and beans
Half a cup of cooked lentils covers most daily needs
Asparagus and broccoli
Dense folate plus fiber
Avocado and oranges
Easy raw sources of folate
Fortified grains
Reliable daily backstop
When to see your doctor
Low folate combined with anemia, or any low folate during pregnancy or pregnancy planning, requires immediate doctor input. Always test B12 alongside folate — treating folate deficiency without addressing B12 can mask serious B12-related nerve damage.
Related biomarkers
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Educational content only · Not medical advice