Folate, RBC

Advanced wellness

also red blood cell folate

What it isFolate stored inside red blood cells. Because red cells live about 120 days, RBC folate reflects average folate status over the preceding several months.

DoesCaptures long-term folate status rather than the swings serum folate shows.

GoodHigh RBC folate confirms sustained adequate intake.

BadLow RBC folate signals chronic deficiency, even when serum folate looks acceptable.

Standard

>280 ng/mL.

Optimal

600–1000 ng/mL (higher is good)

Modifiers

Same as serum folate but with a long lag.

How to optimize

Lifestyle: Cut alcohol.
Diet: Leafy greens, legumes, asparagus, beets, citrus.
Supplements: Methylfolate (400–800µg/day).
Peptides: —
Drugs: —

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