Nutrients
Folate
Also known as: vitamin B9, folic acid
What it is
Folate (vitamin B9) is needed to make red blood cells and DNA. It works closely with vitamin B12, and both influence homocysteine levels.
Why it matters
Low folate can cause a form of anaemia and raise homocysteine. It is especially important before and during pregnancy. Folate and B12 are often interpreted together because their deficiencies overlap.
What “optimal” looks like
A healthy sufficiency range applies. Because folate and B12 interact, a clinician may look at both (and homocysteine) if a result is borderline.
This is general information, not medical advice or a diagnosis. Always discuss your results with a qualified clinician.
Related
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