The Importance of Folate

Folate is a natural source of a water soluble B vitamin found in our food.

Folic acid, on the other hand, is the synthetic version of folate. This synthetic form is provided as an additive in 'fortified' foods, and is often used in vitamin supplements.

Why do we need folate?

Folate has many important roles in the proper function of our body. These include:

1. It helps to produce and maintain new cells.
   
2. It helps to make normal red blood cells and prevent anemia.
   
3. Since it is needed to make DNA and RNA, it also helps in preventing changes to DNA, which can cause cancer.
   
4. It helps maintain and metabolize normal levels of the amino acid homocysteine.
   

Who Needs folate?

Everyone, actually, but certain groups of people need to make certain that they consume enough of this nutrient in either its natural, food state, or supplemental vitamin state. These groups include:

1. Women who are trying to become pregnant
   
2. Women who are pregnant
   
3. Women who are breastfeeding
   
4. People who consume too much alcohol (more than a couple of drinks per day)
   
5. People who take medicines that can interfere with the absorption and action of folate (ask your doctor)
   
6. people who are anemic from folate deficiency
   
7. People with liver disease
   
8. People on kidney dialysis
   
9. People who suffer from malabsorption
   

You should talk with your doctor first before self-diagnosing for any disease. It is also best to consult with them in case of interactions from vitamins with medications or other conditions you may be experiencing.