Buying a test for someone else?
Learn how
UK's first direct-to-consumer blood testing service. 
We've delivered over 7.5 million test results. 
We've helped over 200,000 people take control of their health. Biomarker table
Vitamins
Folate - serum
Learn more
Folate is a B vitamin which acts as a coenzyme in the metabolism of amino acids. It is also vital for the synthesis of purines and pyrimidines which are essential for DNA synthesis and red cell formation. Folate is also especially important during the first trimester of pregnancy so if you are thinking of becoming pregnant it is important to make sure your folate levels are normal.
Vitamin B12 - active
Learn more
Vitamin B12 is important for production of red blood cells which carry oxygen around the body. B12 is also involved in metabolism and the nervous system and prolonged lack of vitamin B12 may cause nerve damage. Although Vitamin B12 is almost entirely found in animal-based foods, many vegetarian and vegan products, especially plant milks are now fortified with Vitamin B12.
Special instructions
How to prepare for your test
Prepare for your Vitamin B12 (Active) and Folate Blood Test by following these instructions. Take your sample at least 24 hours after any vitamin or mineral supplements. Do not take biotin supplements for two days before this test, discuss this with your doctor if it is prescribed. Do not take vitamin B12 for two weeks prior to this test. If your B12 is prescribed ask your doctor whether to stop.
Blood testing made easy
How it works
Your personalised, actionable health results are only a few clicks away. Order your test, take and post your sample, then view your results online with our doctors' comments.
Your results, simplified
Track, improve, and monitor your health over time
MyMedichecks is your personal online dashboard where you can view your results, access clear and simple explanations about individual health markers, monitor changes in your health, and securely store information about your medical history, lifestyle, and vital statistics.
FAQs
What happens with a vitamin B12 deficiency?
Vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms usually develop gradually but can worsen if the condition goes untreated. They include headaches, feeling faint, pale skin, and palpitations. Pernicious anaemia is an autoimmune condition that causes the immune system to attack cells in the stomach, preventing the absorption of vitamin B12.
What is folate?
Folate is a water-soluble vitamin that's important to help produce red blood cells and prevent neural tube defects, such as spina bifida in unborn babies. Small amounts of folate are in many foods. Good sources include broccoli, Brussels sprouts, asparagus, peas, chickpeas, and brown rice. Other sources of folate include fortified breakfast cereals, some bread, and some fruit, such as oranges and bananas.
What is vitamin B12?
Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that's in virtually all meat products and certain algae, such as seaweed, that helps maintain healthy nerve and red blood cells and is also needed to make DNA, the genetic material in all cells. Good sources of vitamin B12 include meat, salmon, cod, milk, cheese, eggs, yeast extract, and some fortified breakfast cereals. As it is found almost exclusively in animal-based products, if you cut out animal products from your diet, you can be at risk of B12 deficiency.