Serum and red blood cell folate concentrations for assessing folate status in populations

Overview

This document provides users of the Vitamin and Mineral Nutrition Information System (VMNIS) guidance about the use of serum (or plasma) folate and red blood cell folate to assess the folate status in different populations. It summarizes the current World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations on the cut-off values used for defining folate status in populations as well as the chronology of their establishment.

Assessment of serum folate and red blood cell folate concentrations is useful for the monitoring of folate status trends and the evaluation of the impact of public health interventions.