Folate
Also known as Vitamin B9
What it is
Folate, also known as vitamin B9, is a nutrient your body needs for cell division and DNA synthesis, obtained from leafy greens, legumes, and fortified foods.
Why it matters
Folate works in the same metabolic pathway as vitamin B12, and a deficiency in either can produce a similar type of anemia, which is why the two are typically evaluated together rather than separately. It's also directly involved in processing homocysteine, so a low folate result is one of the first things worth checking when homocysteine comes back elevated. Because folate stores are replenished relatively quickly through diet, it's also one of the more directly correctable findings on a panel.
Folate is one of the markers in Zaro's Signal panel and every tier above it.
This information is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always talk to a physician about your specific results and health history.
← All biomarkers