Folate

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Folate: What is it?

Folate is a water-soluble B vitamin that occurs naturally in food.

Folic acid is the synthetic form of folate that is found in

supplements and added to fortified foods [1].

Folate gets its name from the Latin word " folium " for leaf. A key

observation of researcher Lucy Wills nearly 70 years ago led to the

identification of folate as the nutrient needed to prevent the anemia

of pregnancy. Dr. Wills demonstrated that the anemia could be

corrected by a yeast extract. Folate was identified as the corrective

substance in yeast extract in the late 1930s, and was extracted from

spinach leaves in 1941.

Folate helps produce and maintain new cells [2]. This is especially

important during periods of rapid cell division and growth such as

infancy and pregnancy. Folate is needed to make DNA and RNA, the

building blocks of cells. It also helps prevent changes to DNA that

may lead to cancer [3]. Both adults and children need folate to make

normal red blood cells and prevent anemia [4]. Folate is also

essential for the metabolism of homocysteine, and helps maintain

normal levels of this amino acid.

What foods provide folate?

Leafy green vegetables (like spinach and turnip greens), fruits (like

citrus fruits and juices), and dried beans and peas are all natural

sources of folate [5].

--

Tory Klementsen, MCP A+

IT and Health Educator

The successful person will do the things that the unsuccessful person will not.