Know Your Blood Parameter : Vitamin B9 (Folate)

1. Parameter Name 

Vitamin B9 (Folate)

2. Test Type 

Blood (serum or red blood cell folate)

3. Normal Range 

Serum: 2.7–17 ng/mL; RBC folate: 140–628 ng/mL

4. High Levels Indicate 

May mask B12 deficiency; generally from supplementation.

5. Low Levels Indicate 

Deficiency causes megaloblastic anemia, neural tube defects in fetus.

6. Why It's Tested 

To assess deficiency risk, especially in pregnancy and anemia workup.

7. Associated Symptoms (if abnormal) 

Fatigue, weakness, irritability, birth defects.

8. What To Do If Abnormal 

Folate supplementation and dietary improvement.

9. Common Conditions Related 

Megaloblastic anemia, pregnancy-related deficiency.

10. Nutrition or Lifestyle Connection 

Found in leafy greens, legumes, liver, fortified grains.

11. References (APA Format) 

NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. (2022). Folate. 

MedlinePlus. (2023). Folate test. https://medlineplus.gov