Folate (Vitamin B9) Test

Folate or folic acid (Vitamin B9) is a vitamin that is mainly found in leafy green vegetables, nuts, seeds, and citrus fruits. It can also be added to fortified foods such as cereals, or taken as a supplement.

Both folate and folic acid are different types of Vitamin B9. Folate comes from natural food sources while folic acid is a synthetic version of the vitamin found in fortified foods and vitamin supplements.

Folate is broken down to smaller units and absorbed in the small intestine through special carriers on the intestinal cells. Cellular reactions take place and a form of folate passes through the cell and into the blood where it is used by the body or stored in the liver.

Vitamin B9 plays an important role in the production of new blood cells, DNA synthesis, and during pregnancy for brain and spinal cord development. It also helps to keep skin, hair, and nails healthy.

Causes of Vitamin B9 deficiency may include a decreased dietary intake of folate, an increased demand by the body; for example during pregnancy, as a result of impaired absorption (because of the effects of certain medication or chronic alcohol consumption), and in cases of inflammatory bowel disease.

A folate test measures the levels of folate in the blood.

Finger prick, self-collection home testing kit. Full instructions included in testing kit Take your test first thing in the morning following an overnight fast. *samples must be posted back the same day using the free post address box.

Samples are analysed by a fully accredited laboratory. Accreditation by ISO15189, is the International Standard for Medical Laboratories.