Folate

Folate, also known as vitamin B9, is a water-soluble B-vitamin that your body needs for DNA synthesis, healthy cell division, and the production of red blood cells. This blood test measures the level of folate circulating in your system. Adequate folate is important for everyone, but it takes on particular significance for women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, because it plays a critical role in the very earliest stages of foetal development. Beyond reproduction, folate supports your overall energy levels and helps keep your blood cells healthy and functioning as they should.

To understand what folate does, picture your body as a vast construction site where new cells are being built and repaired around the clock. Folate is one of the essential materials on that site, without it, the process of copying DNA (your body's instruction manual) before a cell divides cannot happen properly. This is why rapidly dividing tissues, such as bone marrow where blood cells are made, are among the first to be affected when folate runs low. Folate also works closely with vitamin B12 to keep levels of an amino acid called homocysteine in check. When both vitamins are present in adequate amounts, homocysteine is efficiently recycled; when either is lacking, homocysteine can build up, which is something your GP may want to monitor.

Your folate level is influenced primarily by your diet. Rich sources include dark leafy greens such as spinach and kale, broccoli, asparagus, chickpeas, lentils, and fortified breakfast cereals. Because folate is water-soluble and sensitive to heat, cooking methods matter, steaming and microwaving preserve more folate than boiling. Alcohol consumption can interfere with folate absorption and increase the rate at which your body uses it up, while certain medications and digestive conditions may also lower levels. Unlike some vitamins, your body does not store large amounts of folate, so regular dietary intake is important to maintain healthy levels. If your result is outside the normal range, your GP can advise on whether dietary changes or supplementation would be helpful and check related markers such as B12 to get the full picture.