Folate (Vitamin B9) Test

This test measures the total level of folate (vitamin B9) in your blood. Having folate tested helps you and your doctor decide if you need to supplement with additional vitamins or minerals or make dietary adjustments.
Folate, also known as vitamin B9, is necessary for many critical functions including red and white blood cell development; tissue growth; cell function; the breakdown, usage, and creation of proteins; and the production of DNA. This vitamin is essential during pregnancy to help prevent birth defects and congenital disabilities of the brain (anencephaly) and spine (spina bifida). Folate enables the proper growth of fetal tissues and cells. Folate must be supplied by the diet or through supplementation because the body is not able to produce it independently. Folate is naturally found in beans and peas, citrus fruits, leafy green vegetables, and yeast. Folic acid is the manufactured (synthetic) version of folate, which is found in supplements and fortified foods and is converted (metabolized) to folate by the body. This test will measure total folate levels which include any supplemented folic acid once your body has metabolized it.
No doctor’s visit needed.

This test measures the level of vitamin B9, also known as folate, in your blood. Folate is a water-soluble vitamin that helps your body make red and white blood cells; grow tissues; build DNA; and turn food into energy. This vitamin is important during pregnancy to help prevent congenital disabilities (conditions present at birth) of the brain (eg, anencephaly) and spine (eg, spina bifida). Folate helps with the healthy development of fetal tissues and cells. People who are deficient in folate may not have any symptoms or may have symptoms of anemia, an irregular heartbeat, weakness, tiredness, or nerve damage. Early detection is important to prevent irreversible damage over time, especially to the nervous system.

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