Folate
Folate (vitamin B9) is essential for making cells and DNA, especially red blood cells. We get it from green vegetables, legumes and liver. In pregnancy it is crucial for the development of the fetal nervous system.
| Rating | Range | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Talk to a doctor | below 7 nmol/L | Low folate — risk of anemia; important in pregnancy. |
| Good | 7 nmol/L and above | Folate within range. |
Why it matters
EFSA/clinical: together with B12 it regulates homocysteine; essential in pregnancy.
If it’s low
Low folate means a risk of anemia and elevated homocysteine; in pregnancy it is especially important. Common with poor diet, alcohol or malabsorption.
If it’s high
High folate (from supplements/fortified food) is usually not harmful, but can mask B12 deficiency — so we read them together.
What to do
Low: more leafy vegetables and legumes; when planning pregnancy, a 400 µg/day supplement. Always check B12 as well.
Read together with
Vitamin B12 · Hemoglobin · MCV · Homocysteine
Part of the guide: Vitamins & minerals →
Articles about this marker
- Blood tests before pregnancy: what to check before you conceiveLife stages
- High homocysteine: what it means and how to lower itMarker explained
- High RDW: what red cell distribution width means on your blood testComplete blood count (CBC)
- Supplements for better blood: what really worksSupplements & longevity
- Vitamin B12 and folate: what they mean and how to raise themMarker explained
This content is for information only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Talk to your doctor about your results.
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