Folic Acid

What is Folic Acid?

Folate (vitamin B9) is essential for DNA synthesis, cell division, and methylation reactions. It works closely with vitamin B12 in the methylation cycle. Folate is found in leafy greens, legumes, and fortified foods. The active form (methylfolate, 5-MTHF) is what the body actually uses; synthetic folic acid must be converted by the MTHFR enzyme.

What might a high or low Folic Acid mean?

Folate deficiency is associated with megaloblastic anemia (like B12 deficiency — large red cells, high MCV) and with raised homocysteine. In pregnancy, low folate is associated with neural tube defects, which is why folate status before conception is emphasized. People with MTHFR variants may convert synthetic folic acid to active methylfolate less efficiently.

What is the typical reference range for Folic Acid?

The general-population reference range shown here is 10 – 42.4 nmol/L. Reference ranges describe the general population and are not a personal target — discuss your results with your physician.

What can affect Folic Acid?

It may be higher with: Folate supplementation (methylfolate preferred for MTHFR carriers), Leafy green vegetables (spinach, kale, broccoli), Legumes (lentils, chickpeas, beans), Fortified grains and cereals, Liver and organ meats. It may be lower with: Poor dietary intake (common in elderly), Alcohol (impairs absorption and increases excretion), Medications (methotrexate, phenytoin, trimethoprim), Malabsorption (celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease), Pregnancy (increased demand), Hemolytic anemia (increased utilization), MTHFR variants (impaired activation of folic acid).