Folate is a water-soluble B vitamin naturally found in foods such as spinach, asparagus, peanuts and oranges. Folic acid, commonly found in enriched foods and dietary supplements, is the synthetic form of folate. You may already know that folate is especially beneficial for pregnant women and growing babies””but what you may not know is that it’s an important nutrient that everyone needs!
Folate is a crucial nutrient for women of childbearing age because it is essential to support cell growth and development, something that occurs rapidly during pregnancy. Adequate levels of folate have been shown to reduce the occurrence of certain birth defects.
Beyond the realm of pregnancy, folate is also essential for the production of healthy red blood cells and to prevent a certain type of anemia. Folate also plays a role in regulating the body’s levels of homocysteine, an amino acid that can cause numerous health issues if left unchecked. In addition, folate is needed for the repair and maintenance of healthy cells.
If you are already at risk for vitamin B12 deficiency, excessive intake of folate or folic acid may increase the risk of developing B12 deficiency symptoms. As with any dietary supplement, check with your doctor before increasing your intake of folic acid. Some individuals may need a product that contains both folic acid and vitamin B12.