Folate is a water-soluble B vitamin.
It is also called folic acid, folacin, or vitamin B9.
Folate is an essential nutrient that offers many health benefits for the human body.
Verywell / Getty Images
It is necessary for red blood cell development and cell function.
Folate becomes very important for fetal development during pregnancy.
That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says.
Verywell / Getty Images
What Are the Functions of Folic Acid?
Folate is an inclusive term that refers to the different forms of vitamin B9, including folic acid.
Folate occurs naturally in foods.
Folic acid is a synthetic form of folate used in supplements or added to foods for fortification.
Folate is not as stable as folic acid.
Heat and light can break down folate, so it can be lost during cooking.
Therefore, manufacturers use folic acid to fortify foods like breads, grains, and cereals.
Folic acid is easily absorbed.
Bothfolate and folic acidmay interact with prescribed medications.
Treats Folate Deficiency
Supplementing folic acid for a folate deficiency is recommended.
However, an isolated folate deficiency is rare.
Most people who may be deficient in folate will also be deficient in other nutrients.
You should discuss any nutrient deficiencies with your primary healthcare provider.
Conditions that increase your risk of folate deficiency include:
Do I Have a Folate Deficiency?
Prevents Neural Tube Defects
NTDs are the most common congenital malformation of the central nervous system.
They affect the spine, skull, or brain.
Research has shown adequate folate intake before conception and during early pregnancy prevents NTDs.
However, racial and ethnic disparities in NTD rates still need to be addressed.
Reduces Homocysteine Levels
Elevated homocysteine levels are associated with increased heart disease risk.
Research has generally found that supplementing folic acid does reduce homocysteine levels.
Other Areas of Research
Other areas of folic acid supplementation research are inconclusive.
The Food and Nutrition Board has set Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) for folic acid intake.
One DFE equals:
Who Should Take Folic Acid Supplements?
As a supplement, folic acid is found in several blended supplement regimens or as a single nutrient.
Therefore, these enriched products are also great sources of folate.
The upper limit is set at 1,000 mcg for adults.
Amounts are lower for children.
Folic acid supplements can also interact with prescription medications.
verify to consult your provider before starting supplementation.
Do Folic Acid Supplements Interact With Any Drugs?
Talk to your healthcare provider before adding supplements to your regimen.
Occasionally, supplements will interact with prescribed medications.
Your provider can help you determine whether a certain supplement will benefit you or not.
Other uses of folic acid supplementation require further study.
They can help you determine whether supplementation is necessary for you.
National Institute of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.Folate.
2017;8(8):CD006612.
Smith AD, Refsum H.Homocysteine, B vitamins, and cognitive impairment.Annu Rev Nutr.
2010 Oct;92(4):1002].Am J Clin Nutr.
2010;91(6):1733-1744. doi:10.3945/ajcn.2009.28671
