Please be aware that Mahajan Imaging & Labs will never request for your bank details or OTP for booking/registration purposes. Mahajan Imaging & Labs
Back to Blog List
9 July, 2025

Folic Acid Test: Know Why It's Crucial for Your Health

Folic Acid Test: Know Why It's Crucial for Your Health

Feeling exhausted despite getting enough sleep? You might be low on one of the most overlooked yet essential nutrients: folic acid. In the health and nutrition world, you read a lot about vitamins D, C, or B12. But one of the most crucial nutrients slips through the cracks: folic acid, a very concentrated form of vitamin B9 that the body needs for cell growth, brain development, and the creation of red blood cells. A deficiency can lead to fatigue, irritability, and even serious complications if left unaddressed.

A folic acid blood test can teach you more about your health than you know. It's not just another blood test, it may be the key to explaining fatigue, weakness with no cause, or even pregnancy problems.

Let’s explore why this test is significant and perhaps it's time for you to get one.

What is the Folic Acid Blood Test For?

Folic acid blood test, or a folate blood test, is a blood test that is able to quantify the level of folate in your blood. Folate is a B-vitamin required to synthesize DNA and other genetic material. It plays a critical role in:

  • Producing red blood cells
  • Maintaining brain activity
  • Preventing birth defects during pregnancy
  • Boosting energy levels overall

Doctors normally prescribe this test as part of a vitamin deficiency test if patients have symptoms like persistent fatigue, irritability, or forgetfulness. It is also done together with a test for vitamin B12 to better know your nutritional level.

Why Folic Acid is Especially Important in Women

One of the most significant uses of the test for folic acid is maternal health screening. A folic acid pregnancy test is typically recommended in an effort to have adequate levels of folate during and prior to pregnancy because folate helps to prevent serious birth defects of the baby's spine and brain.

Female patients who are anticipating becoming pregnant or are pregnant are highly advised to check their blood folate level to maintain it at a safe level.

What are the signs of a Folic Acid deficiency?

Folate deficiency develops subtly over time and often mimics symptoms of other conditions, making it easy to overlook. Some common signs include:

  • Prolonged weakness or fatigue
  • Pale complexion or breathing difficulty
  • Irritability and mood swings
  • Mouth ulcers or tongue infection
  • Difficulty concentrating or forgetfulness
  • Numbness or tingling (particularly if accompanied by B12 deficiency)

These symptoms are quite capable of affecting your quality of life. You can have a blood test to determine whether you are folic acid deficient, vitamin B12 deficient, or deficient in some other essential nutrient.

Is Folic Acid and B12 the Same

No, not exactly but they are also incredibly close.

Both vitamin B12 and folic acid coexist to assist in the formation of red blood cells and healthy nervous systems. Both deficiencies result in megaloblastic anemia, where the body forms unusually large, dysfunctional red blood cells.

This is why doctors usually advise testing both by means of a vitamin B12 test and folic acid blood test in order to have a full concept of your nutritional status. Testing both nutrients ensures a comprehensive understanding of your health status.

What is the Normal Folic Acid Range?

Understanding your folate levels is crucial. Here's how to read the numbers:

  • Normal Range: Typically between 3 – 16 ng/mL (nanograms per milliliter), though this may vary slightly depending on the lab.
  • Low Levels (Deficiency): Below 3 ng/mL is considered a folate deficiency. This can lead to fatigue, anaemia, poor concentration, and other health issues.
  • High Levels: While folate levels above the normal range aren’t usually harmful on their own, they can mask a vitamin B12 deficiency if caused by over-supplementation. It's important to test B12 levels alongside folate.

At Mahajan Imaging & Labs, your reports have simple-to-understand reference ranges and descriptions so you don't have to be a doctor to understand them.

When Do You Need a Folic Acid Blood Test?

  • You may want to have a folic acid test if you:
  • Feel constantly tired or fatigued
  • Are pregnant or trying for pregnancy
  • Have gastrointestinal issues such as celiac or Crohn's disease
  • Are using drugs that interfere with folate absorption
  • Strict diet (e.g., alcoholic diet or plant diet)

This test is also part of a more comprehensive nutrition deficiency test, which is normally conducted when you are experiencing non-specific symptoms or as a routine check-up.

Test at Home, Stay in Control

If you're a working professional or a new mother, Mahajan Imaging & Labs offers dependable choices to check at home, so it's never easier to remain on top of your health without ever having to leave your comfort, your home.

Why Mahajan Imaging & Labs?

More than three decades of diagnostic expertise have made Mahajan Imaging & Labs a name to recall for accuracy, compassion, and empathy. Whether it is a routine vitamin deficiency blood test or a customized folic acid pregnancy test, our highly trained staff ensures

  • Rapid and correct reporting
  • Simple explanations
  • Support staff and specialist doctors
  • Advanced technology and strict quality control
  • When your health is on the line, you deserve answers you can trust.

Final Thoughts: Don't Ignore the Signs

Your body is talking, you just have to listen. Chronic fatigue, mood swings, and mental fog are not normal stress. They are perhaps symptoms of an imbalance in your nutrition that can be easily corrected.

A routine folic acid test can bring you mood-changing news—on a daily basis.

Book your test today at Mahajan Imaging & Labs and take that first step towards knowing your body better. Because being proactive isn't just smart, it's life-changing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the folic acid blood test performed?

It’s a simple blood test where a sample is drawn from a vein in your arm. You may be asked to fast or avoid certain supplements before the test. The results usually come within 24–48 hours.

Can a folic acid deficiency be reversed?

Yes, in most cases, folate deficiency can be effectively treated through diet changes and supplements. Once diagnosed, your doctor may recommend folic acid tablets or increasing intake of folate-rich foods like leafy greens, beans, and citrus fruits.

What foods are high in folic acid?

Naturally folate-rich foods include spinach, kale, lentils, chickpeas, avocados, and oranges. Many cereals and grains are also fortified with folic acid to help meet daily needs.

Can I get a folic acid blood test without a doctor’s referral?

Yes. At Mahajan Imaging & Labs, you can directly book a folic acid blood test without a referral. Our experts ensure safe sample collection, whether at the lab or through our convenient test at home service.

How can I book a test at Mahajan Imaging & Labs?

You can book your test with us through our website, WhatsApp, or by calling our customer care. For quick and easy booking, you can chat with us on WhatsApp at +91 88828 97661 or speak directly to our support team at +91 11 4118 3838. We offer both in-centre testing and home sample collection, ensuring flexibility and convenience based on your preference.

Text copied to clipboard