Folate test with vitamin B12, B1 and B6 from one draw

A folate test shows if your body has enough folate for new cells, like red blood cells. During pregnancy, folate also plays a part in the development of the foetus.

A folate deficiency usually builds up slowly. The first signs, such as tiredness or pale skin, also fit many other causes. A blood measurement can show a possible deficiency where a symptom alone cannot.

Folate testing may suit pregnant women and women trying to conceive. It can also suit you if you get little folate from food, for example if you:

• want to become pregnant or are newly pregnant and want to know your values
• eat few leafy greens, legumes or wholegrain foods
• eat a vegetarian or vegan diet, since vitamin B12 is found mainly in animal products
• have a bowel condition such as coeliac disease, which can reduce folate absorption
• take medicines such as methotrexate or some epilepsy drugs, which can lower your folate

This folate blood test measures four B vitamins in your blood:

• Folate: also known as vitamin B9 (B11 in the Netherlands), measured in serum. Folate is the natural form in food. Folic acid is the synthetic form in tablets and fortified foods.
• Vitamin B12: needed for your nerves and, together with folate, for making red blood cells.
• Vitamin B1 (thiamine): helps your body get energy from carbohydrates.
• Vitamin B6: is involved in breaking down protein and in substances your nervous system uses.

Your folate value shows how much folate is in your blood right now. Serum mainly reflects your folate intake over the past days to weeks, from food or supplements.

A low value can fit with low intake, poor absorption in your gut or heavy alcohol use. Your B1 and B6 mostly reflect your diet and any supplements you take.

The folate test needs a small blood draw at a draw site. It is not a home self-test. In the Netherlands you choose from 650+ draw sites, run by independent, certified laboratories we work with.

After your order, Lunara arranges your referral through ZorgDomein. Allow 1 business day; orders after 17:00 or at the weekend start on the next business day. You then receive an email from ZorgDomein with a barcode.

At the draw site you show that barcode. Many sites have walk-in hours, at others you make an appointment. If you have no BSN, you print your referral form through the link in the email. You bring that form along.

A folate deficiency test can be useful when there is a reason for it, for example:

• symptoms that can fit anaemia, such as tiredness, shortness of breath or a sore tongue
• an earlier blood count showing large red blood cells
• an earlier low folate or B12 value you want to follow up
• supplements whose effect on your blood you want to see

Your folate result sits next to the reference range of the lab that measures your blood. For folate in serum, a lab uses for example 5.9 to 35.4 nmol/l. Reference values differ per lab, so compare your value with the range on your own result.

A value below the range can point to a folate deficiency. A high value usually comes from supplements or fortified foods.

A folate deficiency and a vitamin B12 deficiency can both cause anaemia. Taking folic acid can also hide a B12 deficiency. That is why this panel measures both.

Trying to get pregnant? Then the advice is to take 400 micrograms of folic acid every day. You start about 4 weeks before a possible conception. From the tenth week of pregnancy it is no longer needed.

A normal folate value does not replace that advice. Discuss your result with your GP or midwife.

For your folate measurement through Lunara you do not need to fast. The same goes for B12, B1 and B6. Drinking water is always fine and makes the draw easier.

If you take folic acid or another B vitamin supplement, note when you last took it. A tablet shortly before the draw can briefly raise your serum folate.

The folate test result comes in per measurement. This is our indicative planning, counted from the draw:

• folate: about 48 hours
• vitamin B12: 72 hours
• vitamin B1: 96 hours
• vitamin B6: 144 hours

These times differ per lab.

Every blood test result includes a professional assessment from a BIG-registered doctor. For treatment decisions, discuss your results with your GP.