Folate
A B-vitamin needed to make healthy red blood cells and repair DNA - especially important before and during pregnancy.
TypeBlood test
HowStandard blood draw.
How oftenIf at risk or with anemia.
BeforeNo special preparation.
WhoPeople planning pregnancy, with poor diet, heavy alcohol use or anemia.
Why folate matters before you know you’re pregnant
Folate helps make DNA and red blood cells. A baby’s spine forms in the first weeks of pregnancy - often before you know - so levels need to be good beforehand.
Planning pregnancy
“Do I need a supplement?”
Usually yes - most guidelines advise one before trying to conceive.
Prevent
Anemia
“Why are my red cells large?”
Low folate or B12 can enlarge red cells.
Investigate
Check B12 too
“Is it folate or B12?”
Both cause the same anemia - treating only folate can hide low B12.
Test together
Is it right for you?
Worth considering if…
- You’re planning pregnancy.
- You have large red blood cells on a CBC.
- You drink heavily or eat few vegetables.
A better option if…
- You’re already taking folic acid in pregnancy - testing is rarely needed.
How it’s measured
Serum folate
The standard test.
Red cell folate
Reflects longer-term status.
The full picture
What is it?
A test of folate (vitamin B9) levels.
What type of test is it?
A blood biomarker.
What does it measure?
Folate concentration.
Why might someone consider it?
Low folate causes anemia and matters for pregnancy.
Who is it most relevant for?
People at risk or with anemia.
How is it performed?
A blood draw.
How often might it be considered?
When needed.
What can the result help you understand?
Whether you need more folate.
What are its limitations?
Recent meals affect serum folate.
What should it be viewed with?
B12, CBC, homocysteine and diet.
Where to get it
Through your provider
The simplest route - often covered when there’s a clear reason.
Lab services
e.g. Quest Diagnostics, Labcorp.
Direct-to-consumer panels
e.g. Function Health, InsideTracker.
Names are examples only, not endorsements. Your provider can often order the same test - and help interpret it.
Connected to
Questions to ask your provider
- Do I need folic acid before pregnancy?
Ziva Health
One test is a snapshot. Ziva shows the whole story.
Ziva brings your lab results, wearables and daily readings together - and Isabella tells you what’s changing and what to ask your provider next.
Refer Ziva to my provider / care team
Is your provider not on Ziva yet? Send them a link in under a minute - once they join, they’ll see your Folate result alongside your other trends and get alerts directly.
Refer my providerAlready seeing your provider?
Bring your Ziva 30-day report to your next appointment - your Folate result and daily trends in one view, so the conversation starts with the full picture.
Get my 30-day reportNo provider? Find a clinical partner
Being listed doesn’t mean everyone needs this test. Educational only — not medical advice. Results should be interpreted with a qualified clinician. ← Back to Know What to Test