Many people know that folic acid is important for women in their childbearing years. But what exactly is it? And why is it essential for men and women of all ages? Read on to find out more about folic acid!
Folic acid vs. folate
Folic acid is simply the name for the synthetic version of folate, a naturally occurring vitamin that’s part of the B-vitamin family. Also known as vitamin B9, folate is water-soluble and found in many different foods.
What does it do?
Folic acid and folate are important for men and women of all ages, but are most well-known for their importance before and during a healthy pregnancy. Adequate intake of this vitamin just before and after conception is associated with a decreased risk for neural tube defects. Folic acid and folate are essential to healthy cell division/growth, DNA synthesis and healthy red blood cell production.
Where can you get it?
You’ll find naturally occurring folate in many different foods, including beef liver, spinach, beans, broccoli, asparagus and avocados. Because of its importance to all women of childbearing age, folic acid has been added to an array of foods, including fortified cereals, rice and breads. Folic acid is also available in dietary supplement form and is typically found in quality multi-vitamin formulas.