About this ingredient
Folate is the general name for the different forms of vitamin B9, an essential water-soluble vitamin required for normal cell division, DNA and RNA synthesis, and amino-acid metabolism. Naturally occurring folates are found in foods such as leafy green vegetables, beans and citrus fruits, while folic acid is a stable form used in fortified foods and many vitamin supplements.
Folate is particularly important during periods of rapid cell growth, including pregnancy. Adequate folic acid intake before conception and during early pregnancy can reduce the risk of neural tube defects (NTDs), which affect the developing brain and spinal cord.
Folate also contributes to normal blood-cell production and cellular metabolism. Folate deficiency can impair DNA synthesis and may contribute to megaloblastic anemia and other health problems.
Folate supplements can contain different forms, including folic acid and 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF). These forms should not automatically be considered interchangeable for every purpose. In particular, folic acid is the form specifically demonstrated to prevent neural tube defects.