Helm Health

vitamins · FOL

Folate

A B vitamin needed for DNA, cell division, and red blood cell formation. Deficiency can cause anemia; adequate folate before and during pregnancy is important for fetal development.

This page is general wellness education, not medical advice. Your own lab’s reference range and your clinician’s interpretation always take precedence.

Typical reference range

GroupGeneral range
AdultsDeficiency typically < ~4 ng/mL

Units: ng/mL. Ranges vary by lab and assay — read yours against the range printed on your own report.

What high Folate can mean

  • Supplements
  • High dietary folate
  • Recent intake

What low Folate can mean

  • Low intake (few leafy greens)
  • Alcohol use
  • Malabsorption
  • Pregnancy demands
  • Some medications

Related markers

Sources