Vitamin B9

Overview

Vitamin B9, also known as folate or folic acid, is essential for several critical functions in the body. It supports DNA synthesis and repair, aids in the formation of red blood cells, and plays a vital role in the development of the fetal neural tube during pregnancy. Folate also helps regulate homocysteine levels, contributing to cardiovascular health, and supports various cellular processes necessary for growth and overall well-being.

Testing Levels:

• High (45 nmol/L) - When you have high levels of Vitamin B9 (folate) in your body, it means you're getting enough folate from your diet or supplements. This is important for making healthy cells, producing red blood cells, and reducing the risk of birth defects during pregnancy. Having too much folate is rare and usually not harmful, but it's essential to ensure you're not masking a Vitamin B12 deficiency by having excessively high folate levels. Consulting a healthcare provider can help you understand what's best for your health.
  
  
• Mid - Having normal levels of Vitamin B9 (folate) means that you're getting enough folate from your diet or supplements. This helps your body make healthy cells, produce enough red blood cells to carry oxygen, and support the development of a baby's spine and brain during pregnancy. It's important for overall health and ensures that these functions work properly.
  
  
• Low (10 nmol/L) - When you have low Vitamin B9 (folate) levels, it means your body isn't getting enough folate from your diet or supplements. This can affect cell health, lead to anemia, and increase the risk of birth defects during pregnancy. It's important to address low folate levels through diet or supplements to maintain overall health, especially for pregnant women.

Why We Test Vitamin B9

What Affects It

Several factors can influence Vitamin B9 (folate) levels in the body. Insufficient dietary intake of folate-rich foods, cooking methods that degrade folate, and conditions affecting nutrient absorption like celiac disease can lead to deficiency. Medications such as anticonvulsants and alcohol consumption can also interfere with folate absorption and increase requirements. Pregnancy and genetic variations further impact folate metabolism, emphasizing the importance of monitoring levels for overall health.

How to Improve

Common Name: Serum Folate (Vitamin B9)