Serum folateNutrition library
LibraryBlood markersVitamins & minerals
Serum folate
Serum folate reflects recent intake and tissue availability — complementary to red-cell folate for deficiency workup.
Folate supports DNA synthesis, placental growth, and homocysteine recycling. Low serum folate with rising homocysteine suggests functional insufficiency.
How to read it
Acute dietary changes move serum folate faster than red-cell stores. Pair with dietary folate and supplemental methylfolate where used.
Linked nutrient: Folate (DFE) · calibrates store dynamics in Trends when logged.
Trimester context
| Stage | For the mother | For the baby |
|---|---|---|
| First trimester | Critical for neural tube closure in the embryonic period. | Rapid cell division depends on one-carbon metabolism. |
| Second trimester | Supports expanding blood volume and placental mass. | Ongoing organogenesis and growth. |
| Third trimester | Maintains methylation capacity ahead of delivery. | Late growth still folate-dependent. |
Connections
See also
- Folate (DFE)nutrient