Which test would likely be ordered to evaluate nutritional status?

Folate, also known as vitamin B9, plays a significant role in the body's processes related to cell division and the formation of DNA, making it crucial for overall health and nutritional status. A test measuring folate levels can provide valuable information regarding a patient’s nutritional intake, particularly their consumption of leafy greens, legumes, and fortified foods. Low levels of folate can indicate deficiencies that may lead to various health issues, including anemia and neural tube defects during pregnancy.

While other tests listed could provide some insights into nutritional status, they are not primarily focused on evaluating general nutrition. For example, BUN measures blood urea nitrogen which is more focused on kidney function and protein metabolism rather than direct nutritional assessment. GGT is primarily used to assess liver function and may relate to alcohol consumption or liver disease rather than nutritional deficiencies. Ferritin provides information about iron stores in the body, which is more specific to iron levels rather than an overall evaluation of nutritional status. Therefore, folate testing is more directly associated with assessing nutritional health.