Folate

The Folate test measures the level of folate (vitamin B9) in your blood, an essential nutrient for DNA synthesis, red blood cell production, and cell division. Folate is particularly important during pregnancy, where deficiency can cause neural tube defects in the developing baby. Your body cannot produce folate on its own, so it must come from diet or supplementation.

Who Should Get Tested?

You should consider a folate test if you experience persistent fatigue, weakness, or breathlessness, a sore or red tongue, mouth ulcers, numbness or tingling, or mood changes including irritability and depression. Women planning pregnancy or in early pregnancy should test to ensure adequate levels for fetal development. Those with digestive conditions that impair absorption (such as coeliac disease or Crohn's disease), heavy alcohol intake, or diets low in green vegetables and fortified foods are at higher risk of deficiency.

Understanding Your Results

Folate Level	Status
Below 3 ng/mL	Deficient supplementation recommended. Risk of megaloblastic anaemia and, in pregnancy, neural tube defects.
3 to 20 ng/mL	Normal healthy folate levels. Maintain through a balanced diet rich in leafy greens and fortified foods.
Above 20 ng/mL	High usually not harmful, but very high levels from supplements can mask a B12 deficiency. Discuss with your clinic team.