Blood Deficiency & Anemia - Bloody Good
Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin B9 (Folate)

The Vitamin B9 (Folate) Blood Test measures levels of folate, a B-vitamin that helps make red blood cells and supports DNA and cell growth. Low folate can cause anaemia, fatigue, and in pregnancy increase the risk of birth defects, while healthy levels support energy, metabolism, and overall wellbeing.

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Vitamin B9 (Folate)

Experiencing anemia, planning pregnancy, or fatigue and want assessment of folate levels for optimal blood health and cellular function?

Overview

Think of folate (Vitamin B9) as your body's master construction worker – it's constantly busy building new cells, crafting healthy red blood cells, and ensuring your DNA gets assembled correctly. This essential vitamin is particularly crucial during pregnancy, acting like a protective shield for developing babies by preventing serious birth defects. The Vitamin B9 test measures how much of this vital nutrient is circulating in your blood, giving you a clear picture of whether your body has enough fuel to keep these critical processes running smoothly.

When your folate levels drop too low, it's like having a construction site without enough skilled workers – things start to go wrong. You might develop a specific type of anemia that leaves you feeling exhausted and weak, or if you're pregnant, your baby could face increased risks of neural tube defects. This test is especially valuable for women planning pregnancy, people experiencing unexplained fatigue or weakness, those with dietary restrictions, or anyone whose doctor suspects their tiredness might stem from a vitamin deficiency rather than just being "run down."

Reviewed by Dr. Vu Tran
Bloody Good’s Chief Medical Officer

Symptoms

You may benefit from this test if you experience:
Feeling tired all the time Problems with short-term memory Feeling sad or down most of the time Planning pregnancy in next 6 months Currently pregnant (any trimester) Recurrent pregnancy loss

Purpose

Essential for individuals with anemia, pregnancy concerns, fatigue symptoms, or anyone needing comprehensive folate and vitamin B assessment.

How to prepare

No special preparation required. Inform healthcare provider of folate supplements, medications, and any factors that might affect folate levels or interpretation.

Understanding results

Results show folate levels compared to normal ranges. Low levels may indicate folate deficiency requiring supplementation and dietary modifications.

After the test

Address folate deficiency through folate supplementation, dietary modifications to include folate-rich foods, and treatment of underlying causes. Work with hematologists for complex cases.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Folate (vitamin B9) is essential for DNA synthesis, red blood cell formation, and neural tube development during pregnancy.
  • Symptoms may include fatigue, weakness, pale skin, shortness of breath, irritability, and in severe cases, megaloblastic anemia.
  • Causes include inadequate dietary intake, malabsorption disorders, increased requirements (pregnancy), certain medications, and alcohol abuse.
  • Treatment typically includes folate supplements, dietary modifications to include folate-rich foods, and addressing underlying causes.
  • Good sources include leafy greens, legumes, fortified cereals, citrus fruits, and liver.
  • Adequate folate prevents neural tube defects and supports proper fetal development, making supplementation crucial before and during pregnancy.
Vitamin B9 (Folate)

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What to expect

We want you to feel bloody good—inside and out. Regular testing isn’t just about checking your current health; it helps you spot abnormal values you might not know about.

1

Book your referral

Choose the testing that suits your goals. After ordering, you will receive your referral by email.

2

Collect your sample

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3
Receive your results

Receive your results

View your lab results and receive a personalised review from the secure Bloody Good platform.

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