What Does Folate Level Mean on a Blood Test?

What it means

Folate is a B vitamin, sometimes called vitamin B9. It is found in leafy green vegetables, beans, citrus fruit and fortified bread and cereals. Folic acid is the man-made form used in supplements. The body uses folate to copy DNA and build new cells, which matters most where cells are made quickly, such as in the bone marrow.

This test is usually ordered with vitamin B12 when a blood count shows anemia or unusually large red blood cells. It may also be checked before or during pregnancy, in people with gut conditions that affect absorption, in people who drink a lot of alcohol, and in people taking certain medicines that work against folate. The doctor is checking whether low folate could explain other results.

Some labs measure "serum folate", which reflects recent intake over the last few days. Others measure "red cell folate", which gives a longer-term view over the past few months. Your report will name which one was done.

Where you may see it

• Anemia work-up results, usually printed next to vitamin B12
• Pregnancy and pre-pregnancy blood tests
• Monitoring tests for people on medicines such as methotrexate
• Hospital admission blood tests for people with poor appetite or weight loss