Folate Test

Test Overview

A folate test measures the amount of folate, Opens dialog in the blood. Folate is one of many B vitamins. The body needs folate for normal growth and to make red blood cells (RBC), Opens dialog, white blood cells (WBC), Opens dialog, and platelets, Opens dialog. Folate also is important for the normal development of a baby (fetus).

Folate can be measured in the liquid portion of blood (plasma, Opens dialog). This reflects a person's recent intake of folate and folic acid in the diet. Folate is found in foods such as liver; citrus fruits; dark green, leafy vegetables (spinach); whole grains; and beans. Folic acid is the man-made form of folate. It's found in vitamin pills and fortified foods, such as fortified breakfast cereals.

Folate can also be measured as the amount in the red blood cells. The amount of folate in red blood cells measures the level when the cell was made, as much as 4 months earlier. This level is not usually affected by the amount of folate and folic acid in your diet each day.

Folate deficiency can result in a type of anemia called megaloblastic anemia, Opens dialog. Mild folate deficiency often does not cause any symptoms. Severe folate deficiency may cause a sore tongue, diarrhea, weakness, forgetfulness, and fatigue.

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Current as of: April 30, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

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