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Folate (Vitamin B9) Blood Test

The Folate (B9) Blood Test measures folate, a water-soluble B-vitamin essential for DNA synthesis, red blood cell production, and the methylation cycle. Folate donates methyl groups that help convert homocysteine to methionine and support cellular repair and detoxification. Suboptimal folate can lead to elevated homocysteine, megaloblastic anemia, fatigue, and—during pregnancy—greater risk of neural tube defects. In the PlexusDx Nutrition Deficiency Blood Test, folate is interpreted alongside complementary markers to give a more complete view of your nutritional status.

Why Measure Folate?

  • Methylation & homocysteine: Folate provides methyl groups needed to keep homocysteine in a healthy range.
  • Hematology: Adequate folate is required for normal red blood cell formation; low levels can cause megaloblastic anemia.
  • Pregnancy planning & prenatal health: Ensures sufficient status to reduce neural tube defect risk.
  • Nutritional screening: Helpful for people with limited produce intake, alcohol overuse, or conditions affecting absorption.

How the PlexusDx Test Works

  • At-home collection: Simple finger-prick kit with a prepaid return mailer.
  • Fast turnaround: Clear, digital results typically available within ~2 business days of lab receipt.
  • Direct access: Order online; generally HSA/FSA eligible.

Understanding Results (High-Level)

  • Within range: Suggests adequate folate for red blood cell production and methylation needs.
  • Low or borderline: May contribute to anemia, fatigue, mouth sores, cognitive or mood changes, and elevated homocysteine.
  • High: Often reflects supplementation or fortified foods; interpret in context, particularly if B12 is low or symptoms persist.

What Can Influence Folate Levels?

  • Dietary intake: Leafy greens, legumes, asparagus, citrus, and fortified grains are key sources.
  • Alcohol use: Can impair absorption and increase losses.
  • Medications: Methotrexate, trimethoprim, certain anti-seizure drugs, and others may lower folate status.
  • Malabsorption: Celiac disease, IBD, gastric bypass, or low stomach acid can reduce uptake.
  • Genetics: Variants in MTHFR (e.g., C677T) can reduce conversion of folic acid to active 5-MTHF and may increase folate needs.

How to Support Healthy Folate Levels

  • Nutrition first: Emphasize spinach, kale, lentils, chickpeas, avocado, asparagus, oranges, and fortified whole grains.
  • Targeted supplementation: If needed and approved by your clinician, consider 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF), especially if you have known MTHFR variants or tolerate folic acid poorly.
  • Co-nutrients: Ensure adequate Vitamin B12, Vitamin B6, and riboflavin (B2) to support the one-carbon cycle.
  • Lifestyle: Moderate alcohol, support gut health, and maintain a balanced diet rich in whole foods.
  • Re-testing: After dietary or supplement changes, re-check per your clinician’s plan to confirm improvement.

FAQs

Is “folate” the same as “folic acid”?
Folate is the natural form in foods; folic acid is a synthetic supplemental form. Some people convert folic acid less efficiently and may benefit from 5-MTHF under clinician guidance.

Should I take folate before testing?
It’s often best to capture your baseline first, then optimize intake and re-test to confirm progress—unless your clinician advises immediate supplementation (e.g., pregnancy).

Why test folate with other nutrients?
Interpreting folate together with Vitamin B12, homocysteine, and other nutrition markers (e.g., ferritin, albumin, Vitamin D) helps pinpoint root causes and tailor next steps.