What do folate levels indicate?

High levels of folate in the blood may mean that you eat a diet rich in folate or folic acid, take vitamins, or take folic acid pills. Consuming more folate than the body needs does not cause problems. High folate levels can also mean a vitamin B12 deficiency. Body cells need vitamin B12 to use folate.

What does a folate blood test show?

A folic acid test measures the amount of folic acid in the blood. Folic acid is vitamin B-9, which is essential for the production of healthy red blood cells. These cells deliver oxygen to the entire body, so they’re vital for maintaining overall health.

What happens when folate levels are high?

Several studies indicate that chronically elevated levels of unmetabolized folic acid may have adverse health effects, including: Increased cancer risk. High levels of unmetabolized folic acid have been associated with increased cancer risk.

What is a normal folate result?

Normal Results The normal range is 2.7 to 17.0 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL) or 6.12 to 38.52 nanomoles per liter (nmol/L).

Why folate test is done?

A folic acid test may be done to: Check for the cause of anemia. A folic acid test is often done at the same time as a test for vitamin B12 levels because a lack of either vitamin may cause anemia. Check for malnutrition or problems absorbing (malabsorption) folic acid.

What is considered high folate level?

Adults: 140-628 ng/mL or 317-1422 nmol/L. Children: Over 160 ng/mL or over 362 nmol/L.

Is folate the same as iron?

Ferrous fumarate is a type of iron. Folic acid (folate) is a type of vitamin B. Iron and vitamin B help your body produce and maintain healthy red blood cells.

What is the relationship between folate and vitamin B12?

Folate has an important role in cell division and it is especially needed during infancy and pregnancy. Human body requires folate in order to produce healthy red blood cells and prevent anemia, while vitamin B12 plays an important role in supplying essential methyl groups for protein and DNA synthesis.

What does low folate mean?

Folate-deficiency anemia is the lack of folic acid in the blood. Folic acid is a B vitamin that helps your body make red blood cells. If you don’t have enough red blood cells, you have anemia. Red blood cells carry oxygen to all parts of your body.

What is the folate test used for?

The Folate test is used to measure and monitor the levels of folic acid in the blood. The Folate test is also called Folic Acid, RBC Folate, Folacin. A folic acid test is often coupled with a test for the Vitamin B12 levels because a lack of either vitamin may cause anemia. Why did my doctor recommend me to undergo the Folate test?

When to see a doctor about a B12 folate blood test?

When To See a Doctor About the B12 Folate Blood Test. This blood test is ordered most often when there are behavioral changes seen in certain population groups. The elderly are especially vulnerable to having low levels of B12 and folate in their body.

What is the normal range for folate in blood?

If the test is conducted on the blood plasma, a normal range for folate is 2 to 10 ng/mL and if the test is conducted on red blood cells, a normal range is 140 to 960 ng/mL. Causes Of High Folate Levels In The Blood. A high reflection of folate levels in the blood may not be a good sign.

What does it mean when your folate is low?

Interpretation. Serum folate is a relatively nonspecific test.(3) Low serum folate levels may be seen in the absence of deficiency and normal levels may be seen in patients with macrocytic anemia, dementia, neuropsychiatric disorders, and pregnancy disorders. Results <4 mcg/L are suggestive of folate deficiency.