Optimal plasma folate status

Optimal plasma folate status refers to reaching a threshold of folate (vitamin B9) concentration in the blood plasma to support normal physiological function and disease prevention. Plasma (or serum) folate concentrations above 3–4 ng/mL are generally considered adequate for most populations, while values below this indicate deficiency. Folate is required for red blood cell maturation, DNA synthesis, methylation, and homocysteine metabolism. Folate status is usually measured clinically to assess risk of deficiency, anemia, or as a biomarker for risk of neural tube defects in pregnancy. However, optimal plasma folate status is a biomarker or analytic cut-off, not a molecular target for drug therapy.

Other names

Plasma folate adequacyFolate statusFolate sufficiency