A folate test measures the level of this essential vitamin in your body. Folate plays an important role in many vital processes in the body. The body needs folate to grow tissues and cells, create, use, and break down proteins, make DNA, the unique genetic code found in all human cells, and form red blood cells, which transport oxygen throughout the body. During pregnancy, extra folate is needed to enable proper growth of the tissues and cells of the fetus.
Folate is naturally present in many foods, including leafy greens, citrus fruits, beef liver, nuts, and beans. In addition, a synthetic (artificially created) form of folate, folic acid, is added to many foods. Folate deficiencies are uncommon in healthy individuals who eat an adequate diet.
Unlike some vitamins that are stored in fat tissues, folate is water soluble. This means that if you consume more folate than you need, the unneeded amounts of the vitamin leave your body through your urine.
