Iron, vitamins and folate
Folate blood test: what a high or low result means
What a folate blood test measures, what low folate can mean, and what to ask your doctor.
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Explain my results → Available on web, iOS & Android.What is folate?
Folate is a B vitamin (vitamin B9) that your body needs to make healthy red blood cells and to help a baby's spine develop in early pregnancy. It is found in green vegetables, beans, citrus fruit and fortified foods. Folic acid is the man-made form used in supplements. A folate blood test is usually done alongside vitamin B12.
Why is this test done?
- To find the cause of anaemia, especially when red cells are larger than usual
- To investigate tiredness or a poor diet
- Before or during pregnancy in some situations
- To monitor medicines that affect folate, such as methotrexate or some anti-seizure medicines
What does a high folate mean?
A high folate result is uncommon and usually reflects taking folic acid supplements or eating fortified foods. It is rarely a concern in itself.
Possible reasons include:
- Folic acid supplements
- A diet rich in folate or fortified foods
- Sometimes, low vitamin B12, which can cause folate to build up in the blood
What does a low folate mean?
Low folate can cause anaemia with large red cells. In early pregnancy, low folate raises the risk of neural tube defects such as spina bifida.
Possible reasons include:
- A diet low in fruit, vegetables and fortified foods
- Regular heavy alcohol use
- Conditions that affect absorption, such as coeliac disease
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding, which increase the body's needs
- Some medicines, such as methotrexate, trimethoprim and some anti-seizure medicines
Why we don't list a "normal range". Reference ranges differ between laboratories and can depend on your age, sex and whether you are pregnant. The range printed next to your result on your own report is the one that applies to you, so use that, and talk to your doctor about what your result means for you.
What can affect your folate result?
- Eating a folate-rich meal or taking supplements shortly before the test
- Alcohol
- Some medicines
- Pregnancy
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Try it with your own results → Paste, upload or photograph your results.Questions to ask your doctor
- Is my folate low, and what is likely to be causing it?
- Should I take folic acid, and at what dose and for how long?
- Has my vitamin B12 been checked too?
- If I am planning a pregnancy, what folic acid should I take?
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between folate and folic acid?
Folate is the natural form found in food. Folic acid is the man-made form used in supplements and fortified foods. Both raise your folate level.
Why is folate tested with vitamin B12?
Low folate and low B12 cause the same type of anaemia, and treating low folate alone when B12 is also low can let nerve problems from B12 deficiency get worse. Testing both helps your doctor choose the right treatment.
Should I take folic acid if I am trying for a baby?
Folic acid is recommended before conception and in early pregnancy to lower the risk of neural tube defects. Ask your doctor or pharmacist which dose is right for you, as some people need a higher dose.
Can Patiently AI explain my folate result?
Yes. Paste your results, or upload a photo, PDF or Word file, and Patiently AI explains them in plain English, sticking to the numbers and ranges on your own report rather than adding its own, and suggests questions to ask your doctor. It is free, needs no account, and removes identifying details on your device first.