What Folate tells you
Nutritional markers covering common vitamins and minerals. Levels can vary with diet, lifestyle, and individual factors, and are best interpreted with your doctor.
Which Honed panels include Folate
Folate is measured in the Essential Panel and Performance Panel. Every sample is collected at a pathology collection centre and processed at a NATA-accredited laboratory against RCPA reference ranges, with personalised plain-English commentary in your secure online report.
Why Folate matters
Folate (vitamin B9) is a water-soluble vitamin involved in DNA synthesis, red blood cell production, and cellular division. It is obtained from leafy greens, legumes, and fortified grains. Serum folate reflects recent dietary intake; red cell folate is a better marker of long-term folate stores. Folate is essential for aerobic performance because it supports hemoglobin synthesis. Folate deficiency impairs red blood cell production and increases homocysteine (a cardiovascular risk factor).
The range explained
Low levels
Low serum folate (below 7 nmol/L) indicates depleted folate and risk of anaemia. Red cell folate below 340 nmol/L suggests folate deficiency.
Normal range
Reference range: 7–40 nmol/L for serum folate; above 340 nmol/L for red cell folate.
High levels
Elevated serum folate is not clinically concerning.
What affects Folate
- Training: Training does not directly affect folate; however, folate is essential for red blood cell production supporting aerobic training.
- Nutrition: Leafy greens (spinach, kale), legumes (lentils, chickpeas), and fortified grains are rich in folate. Adequate folate intake supports hemoglobin synthesis.
- Sleep: Sleep does not directly affect folate.
- Stress: Chronic stress does not directly affect folate.
When to retest
Every 12 months for general health.
Why athletes care
Endurance athletes benefit from adequate folate because it supports red blood cell production and hemoglobin synthesis; vegetarian athletes should ensure adequate folate intake.
Related vitamins & minerals markers
FAQ
What does the Folate blood test measure?
A B-vitamin involved in DNA synthesis and red blood cell production. It is interpreted alongside related markers by a clinician.
Which Honed Health panels include Folate?
Folate is included in the Essential and Performance panels.
What unit is Folate measured in?
Folate is reported in nmol/L, measured at NATA-accredited laboratories against RCPA reference ranges, with personalised plain-English commentary in your secure report.