Get tested with Superpower

If you’ve been postponing blood testing for years or feel frustrated by doctor appointments and limited lab panels, you are not alone. Standard healthcare is often reactive, focusing on testing only after symptoms appear or leaving patients in the dark.

Superpower flips that approach. We give you full insight into your body with over 100 biomarkers, personalized action plans, long-term tracking, and answers to your questions, so you can stay ahead of any health issues.

With physician-reviewed results, CLIA-certified labs, and the option for at-home blood draws, Superpower is designed for people who want clarity, convenience, and real accountability - all in one place.

Key benefits of Folate testing

• Measures folate levels to spot deficiency that can cause anemia and fatigue.
• Flags low folate before pregnancy to protect against neural tube defects.
• Explains symptoms like weakness, memory problems, or tingling in hands and feet.
• Guides folate supplementation to correct deficiency and restore healthy red blood cells.
• Tracks response to treatment and confirms levels have returned to normal range.
• Clarifies whether anemia is due to folate or B12 deficiency for targeted care.
• Best interpreted with vitamin B12 and complete blood count for full picture.

What is Folate?

Folate is a water-soluble B vitamin (vitamin B9) that your body cannot make on its own. You obtain it from food - especially leafy greens, legumes, and fortified grains - or from supplements. The synthetic form used in supplements and fortification is called folic acid, which your body converts into active folate.

Folate powers your cellular engine

Folate is essential for building and repairing DNA, the genetic blueprint in every cell. It also plays a central role in cell division, making it especially critical during periods of rapid growth like pregnancy, infancy, and tissue repair.

A key player in brain chemistry and blood health

Beyond DNA, folate helps produce neurotransmitters that regulate mood and cognition. It works closely with vitamin B12 to form healthy red blood cells. Without adequate folate, cells can't divide properly, leading to large, immature blood cells and a type of anemia. Measuring folate in blood reflects your recent intake and your body's current reserves.

Why is Folate important?

Folate, a B vitamin essential for DNA synthesis and cell division, powers the body's ability to build and repair tissues, produce red blood cells, and support neurological function. Every rapidly dividing cell, from bone marrow to the lining of the gut, depends on adequate folate to replicate genetic material accurately. Without it, growth stalls, blood formation falters, and the nervous system becomes vulnerable.

When folate runs low, cells can't divide properly

Insufficient folate leads to megaloblastic anemia, where red blood cells grow large and immature, causing fatigue, weakness, and pale skin. The nervous system may suffer as well, with symptoms like numbness, memory problems, and mood changes. In pregnancy, low folate sharply raises the risk of neural tube defects in the developing fetus, making adequate intake critical before conception and during the first trimester.

Elevated folate is less common but worth noting

High folate levels are unusual from diet alone and typically result from supplementation. Excessive intake can mask vitamin B12 deficiency, allowing neurological damage to progress undetected. Some research suggests very high levels may interfere with immune function, though clinical significance remains debated.

Folate connects blood, brain, and development

Folate sits at the crossroads of hematology, neurology, and reproductive health. Its role in methylation and homocysteine metabolism links it to cardiovascular risk and cognitive aging. Maintaining balanced folate status supports lifelong cellular integrity and protects the next generation.

What do my Folate results mean?

Low folate usually reflects inadequate intake or absorption

Low values usually reflect insufficient dietary intake, poor absorption in the small intestine, or increased demand that outpaces supply. Folate is essential for DNA synthesis and cell division, so deficiency impairs red blood cell production and leads to macrocytic anemia, where cells grow large but remain immature. It also disrupts nervous system function and raises homocysteine, a marker linked to vascular and cognitive risk. During pregnancy, low folate increases the risk of neural tube defects in the developing fetus. Certain medications, including methotrexate and some anticonvulsants, interfere with folate metabolism and can drive levels down.

Optimal folate supports cell division and methylation

Being in range suggests adequate folate availability for red blood cell formation, DNA repair, and methylation reactions that regulate gene expression and neurotransmitter synthesis. Optimal values typically sit in the mid to upper portion of the reference range, supporting stable homocysteine metabolism and healthy cell turnover.

High folate usually reflects supplementation or fortification

High values usually reflect recent or ongoing supplementation, consumption of fortified foods, or laboratory variation. Folate itself has low toxicity, but persistently elevated levels may mask underlying vitamin B12 deficiency, delaying diagnosis of neurological complications.

Interpretation depends on diet, supplements, and clinical context

Results vary with dietary patterns, supplement use, and certain medical conditions affecting absorption or metabolism. Pregnancy and lactation increase folate requirements substantially.