Folate
Essential B vitamin for DNA synthesis and fetal development.
Folate, also known as vitamin B9 and folacin, is one of the B vitamins. It is required for the body to make DNA and RNA and metabolize amino acids necessary for cell division and maturation of blood cells. As the human body cannot make folate, it is required in the diet, making it an essential nutrient. Folate occurs naturally in many foods, and manufactured folic acid is used as a dietary supplement and in food fortification.
- field
- Nutrition, Biochemistry
- known_for
- Essential for DNA synthesis, prevention of neural tube defects
- forms
- Folate (natural), folic acid (manufactured supplement)
Lore & Background
The term 'folic' is from the Latin word folium (which means leaf) because it was found in dark-green leafy vegetables. Folate is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.
Reader's Guide
Folate is critical for cell division and growth, especially during infancy and pregnancy. Deficiency can lead to anemia with abnormally large red blood cells, causing symptoms such as tiredness, heart palpitations, and open sores on the tongue. Folate deficiency in children may develop within a month of poor dietary intake. In adults, normal total body folate is between 10 and 30 mg, with about half stored in the liver. Low folate levels in early pregnancy are believed to cause more than half of babies born with neural tube defects (NTDs), including anencephaly and spina bifida. More than 80 countries use mandatory or voluntary fortification of certain foods with folic acid to decrease NTD rates. Folate contributes to spermatogenesis in men and is important for oocyte quality, implantation, and fetal growth in women.
Did You Know?
- The term 'folic' comes from the Latin word folium, meaning leaf, because it was found in dark-green leafy vegetables.
- More than 80 countries use mandatory or voluntary fortification of foods with folic acid to reduce neural tube defects.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Folate?
Folate is an essential B vitamin (B9) that the human body cannot synthesize on its own, so it must be obtained through diet or supplementation. It is also called folacin, and its manufactured supplement form is known as folic acid.
What does Folate actually do in the body?
Folate is required for building DNA and RNA and for metabolizing amino acids, all of which drive cell division and the maturation of blood cells. Without adequate folate, normal cell growth and blood cell production are compromised.
Where can I find Folate?
Folate occurs naturally in a wide variety of whole foods, while its synthetic counterpart, folic acid, is used in dietary supplements and food fortification. Both forms fulfill the same biological role once absorbed.
Why is Folate especially important during pregnancy?
Folate is critical for fetal development because it underpins the rapid DNA synthesis and cell division a growing embryo requires. Adequate folate intake is well established for reducing the risk of neural tube defects.
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