Folate Blood Test: What Your Folate Level Means

Folate is an important B vitamin that your body needs to make healthy red blood cells and produce DNA.

If your blood test shows low folate, you may wonder what it means, what causes it, and how it relates to anemia.

Here's a simple explanation.

What Is Folate?

Folate is vitamin B9, a nutrient involved in:

* Producing healthy red blood cells

* Making and repairing DNA

* Cell division

* Normal growth and development

Folate is naturally found in foods such as leafy green vegetables, beans, peas and some fruits. Many foods are also fortified with folic acid, a form of folate.

What Does a Folate Blood Test Measure?

A folate blood test measures folate in your blood.

The laboratory's reference range can vary, so your result should be interpreted using the range shown on your own report.

A folate result is also best understood alongside your symptoms, medical history and other blood-test results.

What Does Low Folate Mean?

A low folate level may indicate that your body isn't getting or absorbing enough folate.

Possible causes include:

* A diet low in folate

* Increased nutritional requirements

* Problems absorbing nutrients

* Certain gastrointestinal conditions

* Some medications

* Excessive alcohol consumption

Low folate can contribute to megaloblastic anemia, in which red blood cells become larger than normal.

What Symptoms Can Folate Deficiency Cause?

Folate deficiency may cause symptoms such as:

* Tiredness

* Weakness

* Pale skin

* Shortness of breath

* Headaches

* Difficulty concentrating

* A sore or swollen tongue

These symptoms are not specific to folate deficiency and can occur with many other conditions.

Folate and MCV

Your MCV measures the average size of your red blood cells.

Folate deficiency can cause red blood cells to become larger than usual, potentially resulting in a high MCV.

This is one reason doctors may look at folate alongside a CBC.

However, a high MCV does not automatically mean folate deficiency. Vitamin B12 deficiency and other conditions can also increase MCV.

Folate vs Vitamin B12

Folate and vitamin B12 deficiencies can produce similar blood-test patterns and symptoms.

Both can be associated with large red blood cells and megaloblastic anemia.

That's why healthcare professionals may evaluate B12 and folate together when investigating certain abnormal CBC results.

It's important to identify the underlying cause rather than assuming that every abnormal result is caused by the same deficiency.

What Should You Do If Your Folate Is Low?

If your folate level is low, discuss the result with a healthcare professional.

They may consider your diet, medications, symptoms, medical history and other laboratory results to determine why your level is low and whether supplementation or further investigation is appropriate.

Avoid treating a laboratory result in isolation.

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Medical Disclaimer

This article is for educational purposes only and is not a diagnosis or a substitute for professional medical care. Folate results should be interpreted alongside symptoms, medical history and other laboratory results by a qualified healthcare professional.