Diagnostics·Diagnostics
Folate blood test
Informed by recognized medical guidance
Overview
A folate blood test measures the level of folate (a B vitamin) in your blood. Folate helps your body make red blood cells and DNA. Low levels can lead to a type of anemia called megaloblastic anemia, where red blood cells are larger than normal and don't work properly.
Key facts
- Folate is also known as vitamin B9 – your body needs it to make healthy red blood cells.
- A folate test is often done together with a vitamin B12 test.
- Low folate is usually easy to fix with dietary changes or supplements.
Folate deficiency is not very common in countries where food is fortified with folic acid, but it can still happen, especially in people with poor diets or certain health conditions.
It can affect anyone, but it is more common in pregnant women, older adults, people who drink a lot of alcohol, and those with conditions that affect how the body absorbs nutrients (like coeliac disease or Crohn's disease).