HSA | FSA CARDS ARE NOW ACCEPTED

Folate (Vitamin B9) Blood Test

The Folate Blood Test measures the level of folate (Vitamin B9) in your blood. Folate is essential for DNA synthesis, red blood cell formation, and the methylation cycle, where it donates methyl groups to support healthy homocysteine metabolism. Because folate plays a direct role in converting homocysteine to methionine, inadequate folate can lead to elevated homocysteine and impaired methylation balance. As part of the PlexusDx Methylation Panel, folate testing is combined with Homocysteine and Vitamin B12 for a complete view of your methylation status and nutrient needs.

Why Measure Folate?

  • Methylation health: Folate provides the methyl groups needed to regulate DNA expression, detoxification, and neurotransmitter balance.
  • Homocysteine regulation: Folate deficiency is a major cause of elevated homocysteine, which is linked to cardiovascular risk.
  • Pregnancy & fetal health: Adequate folate prevents neural tube defects and supports healthy development.
  • Red blood cell production: Folate is needed to form new red blood cells; low levels can cause megaloblastic anemia.

What’s Included in the PlexusDx Methylation Panel

  • Folate (B9) – key methyl donor for one-carbon metabolism.
  • Vitamin B12 – partner nutrient with folate in homocysteine metabolism.
  • Homocysteine – downstream amino acid reflecting B-vitamin balance.

How the Test Works

  • At-home collection: Simple finger-prick with prepaid return shipping.
  • Fast turnaround: Results available in ~2 business days after lab receipt.
  • No doctor’s order needed: The test is available directly through PlexusDx and is HSA/FSA eligible.

Understanding Results (High-Level)

Normal serum folate reference ranges vary slightly by laboratory. Generally:

  • Normal: Indicates adequate folate for DNA synthesis and methylation.
  • Low: May cause anemia, cognitive issues, or elevated homocysteine.
  • High: May reflect supplementation; persistent high levels should be interpreted in clinical context.

What Can Influence Folate?

  • Dietary intake: Leafy greens, legumes, citrus, and fortified grains provide folate.
  • Alcohol intake: Can deplete folate and impair absorption.
  • Genetics: Variants in MTHFR (e.g., C677T) reduce conversion of folic acid to active 5-MTHF.
  • Medications: Methotrexate, anti-seizure drugs, and some antibiotics can lower folate status.

Ways to Support Healthy Folate Levels

  • Diet: Prioritize natural folate sources (spinach, asparagus, lentils, avocado, oranges).
  • Supplementation: Your provider may recommend folate in its active form (5-MTHF) for better absorption, especially if you have MTHFR variants.
  • Lifestyle: Reduce alcohol, support gut health, and ensure adequate intake of synergistic nutrients (B12, B6, choline).

FAQs

Is folate the same as folic acid?
Folate is the natural form found in foods; folic acid is a synthetic form used in supplements and fortification. Some people process folic acid less efficiently due to MTHFR genetics.

Can folate deficiency cause symptoms?
Yes. Common signs include fatigue, anemia, irritability, cognitive changes, and pregnancy complications if untreated.

Why test folate along with homocysteine?
Because folate and B12are directly involved in homocysteine metabolism, testing them together provides a complete picture of methylation balance.