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What's a Folate Level?

Maya Lin-Takahashi • • 6 min read
What's a Folate Level?

Folate measurements are used in the diagnosis and management of megaloblastic anemia

megaloblastic anemia
A partial list of medications that can cause folate deficiency includes phenytoin, metformin, phenobarbital, dihydrofolate reductase inhibitors (trimethoprim, pyrimethamine), methotrexate and other antifolates, sulfonamides (competitive inhibitors of 4-aminobenzoic acid), and valproic acid.
. The reference range of the plasma folate level varies by age, as follows : Adults - 2-20 ng/mL, 2-20 μg/L, or 4.5-45.3 nmol/L. Children - 5-21 ng/mL, 5-21 μg/L, or 11.3-47.6 nmol/L.

What is a good folate level?

Normal Results

The normal range is 2.7 to 17.0 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL) or 6.12 to 38.52 nanomoles per liter (nmol/L). Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different labs. Talk to your provider about the meaning of your test results.

What do folate levels indicate?

High levels of folate in the blood may mean that you eat a diet rich in folate or folic acid, take vitamins, or take folic acid pills. Consuming more folate than the body needs does not cause problems. High folate levels can also mean a vitamin B12 deficiency. Body cells need vitamin B12 to use folate.

Maya Lin-Takahashi
Author

Maya Lin-Takahashi

Maya is a hardware enthusiast who tests and reviews smart home devices, smartphones, wearables, and audio gear. She focuses on practical consumer value and build quality.