What is Folate?:
Folate is a water-soluble vitamin B-Vitamin that is also known as Folic Acid when it is in its synthetic form.

Sources of Folate:
There are many different foods that naturally contain Folate. Green leafy vegetable such as spinach, lettuce, and broccoli contain significant amounts of Folate. Other foods such as a fruits and beans are also natural sources of Folate.

Many different grain products are fortified with Folic Acid. Cereals, breads, pastas, and other grain products provide the body with Folic Acid. Additionally, multivitamins generally contain Folic Acid as part of the overall formula. There are also Folic Acid supplements that specifically contain the vitamin.

Role of Folate in the Body:
Folate plays a key role in cellular growth and maintenance. It helps produce a variety of the cells in the body, and keeps them healthy. Folate helps produce properly formed red blood cells. As a result, Folate is important in preventing certain anemia.

In addition to this, Folate is vital in the production of DNA and RNA. Folate is needed for our bodies to properly produce the DNA and RNA in our cells.

Folate Deficiency:
Folate deficiency can occur when the body’s need for the vitamin increases, but the diet does not adequately increase to provide enough of the substance. This can occur as a result of certain conditions or medications. For instance, pregnant women need higher levels of Folate in their diet because they lose greater amounts of the vitamin.

In adults, one of the symptoms from Folate deficiency can be anemia. For pregnant women, deficiency can lead to children with low birth weight.

Recommended Intake of Folate:
The National Institute of Health suggests that children from ages 1 to 13 have a daily intake of 150 μg to 300 μg of Folate. Adults ages 14 and older are recommended to have 400 μg of Folate per day, while pregnant and lactating women should have an intake of 600 μg per day.

More Information on Folate:
http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Folate-HealthProfessional/
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002408.htm

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