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Folate (vitamin B9) is a water-soluble B vitamin critical for DNA synthesis and repair, cell division, and the production of new red blood cells — making it especially essential during pregnancy and periods of rapid growth. It works closely with vitamin B12 to regulate homocysteine metabolism; low folate raises homocysteine, increasing cardiovascular and cognitive disease risk. Folate deficiency also causes megaloblastic anemia: oversized, poorly functioning red blood cells that can't carry oxygen efficiently.
Also known as: Acide folique, Acido folico, Ácido fólico, Folat, Folate, Folate (Folic Acid), Folate, Serum, Folic Acid
High folate from supplementation can mask B12 deficiency. Low folate causes macrocytic anemia, elevated homocysteine, and neural tube defects in pregnancy.
Standard labs flag below 3 ng/mL. Functional target is above 10 ng/mL. MTHFR variant carriers benefit from methylfolate rather than folic acid.