RBC Folate Unit Converter

RBC folate measures the amount of folate (vitamin B9) stored inside red blood cells. Because red blood cells incorporate folate as they form and retain it throughout their lifespan of approximately 120 days, this test reflects your body's folate status over the preceding 3-4 months.

Approximately 95% of circulating folate is located within red blood cells, making RBC folate a more stable indicator of tissue stores than serum folate, which can fluctuate with recent dietary intake.

Folate is essential for DNA synthesis, cell division, and red blood cell maturation. It works closely with vitamin B12 in many metabolic processes.

Folate is obtained entirely from dietary sources, including dark green leafy vegetables, legumes, citrus fruits, fortified cereals and grains, nuts, and organ meats such as liver. The synthetic form (folic acid) found in supplements and fortified foods is more readily absorbed than natural food folate.