Folate is present in a wide range of foods, like beef liver and beans. Many other foods are also fortified with folic acid, which is a synthetic form of folate. A person’s body requires folate to make DNA and other genetic material.
Folate is an essential
necessary for producing red and white blood cells in bone marrow, producing DNA and RNA, and transforming carbohydrates into energy. Having an adequate amount of folate is
during periods of rapid growth, such as pregnancy, infancy, and adolescence.
In this article, we look at foods high in folate, the symptoms of folate deficiency, the differences between folic acid and folate, and the recommended intake. We also look at folate’s health benefits and potential risks.
Folate, or vitamin B9, occurs naturally in a variety of foods. Sometimes, manufacturers fortify foods with folate’s synthetic form — folic acid.
The richest naturally occurring sources of folate
:
vegetables, especially Brussels sprouts, dark leafy greens, and asparagus
fruits and fruit juices, especially oranges and orange juice
beans, peas, and nuts, such as kidney beans, black-eyed peas, and peanuts
Foods that companies often fortify with folic acid include:
fortified corn masa flour, which is used to make tortillas and tamales
fortified cereals
enriched bread flour, pasta, rice, and cornmeal
The body’s ability to absorb and use folate varies from one food to another and is difficult to measure. There are also many forms of folate, and some break down during cooking or processing.
Folate deficiency can cause a wide range of symptoms. These may
:
muscle weakness
problems with judgment, memory, and understanding
fatigue
paresthesia, or pins and needles
a red, sore tongue
ulcers in the mouth
vision problems
depression and confusion
Because folate deficiencies usually occur alongside other nutritional deficiencies, such as B12 or iron deficiency, people may also have symptoms of these other conditions.
Most people in the United States get enough folate, but some are more at risk of not getting enough. These
people with:
a
, which impairs the conversion of folate into its active form so the body can use it
conditions that interfere with nutrient absorption, such as
or
Folate deficiency is
among females, affecting around 19% of female adolescents ages 14–19 years and 17% of female adults ages 19–30 years. The rate among non-Hispanic Black females is higher, at 23%.
At present, researchers are not sure why folate levels are lower among Black females, but
it is due to
, such as the availability of fresh food or difficulty accessing healthcare.
Folate is a form of vitamin B9, and it occurs naturally in various foods. Folic acid is also a form of vitamin B9, but it does not occur naturally in food. Companies add folic acid to foods to make them more nutritious. Both types are nutritionally valuable, and most people have no trouble absorbing either form.
Companies use folic acid in foods because, unlike folate, it remains stable when exposed to heat and light. This makes it ideal for adding to foods people cook, such as bread.
According to the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
, folic acid is the only form of vitamin B9 that is proven to reduce the risk of neural tube defects in fetuses. For this reason, people who are pregnant or trying to conceive should take 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid per day.
Folic acid and the MTHFR gene
Some people have a polymorphism in the MTHFR gene. That means this gene contains a mutation that reduces how effectively the body converts folic acid or folate into its active form, methylfolate. The body needs to be able to do this in order to make full use of this nutrient.
MTHFR gene polymorphisms
:
25% of Hispanic people
10% of white and Asian people
1% of African Americans
Despite having a reduced ability to convert folic acid and folate into their active form, people with these polymorphisms can still consume either nutrient safely. People who are pregnant and have an MTHFR gene polymorphism
the recommended amount of folic acid.
Some people with this genetic difference may find it beneficial to take supplements that contain methylfolate itself, so the body does not have to convert it. However, studies on how effective this is have been inconclusive.
The recommended daily allowance (RDA) of folate differs depending on age. The RDA for various ages are
:
0–6 months: 65 mcg
7–12 months: 80 mcg
1–3 years: 150 mcg
4–8 years: 200 mcg
9–13 years: 300 mcg
14 years and older: 400 mcg
during pregnancy: 600 mcg
during lactation: 500 mcg
Folate is necessary for many bodily functions. Its health benefits include:
Lower risk of neural tube defects
An adequate amount of folic acid is essential during pregnancy to
neural tube defects. This issue occurs when the neural tube, which forms the early brain and spinal cord, does not close properly. This happens in early pregnancy and can result in conditions such as spina bifida or anencephaly.
Lower risk of stroke
According to the
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
, researchers have found that folic acid supplements lower levels of the amino acid homocysteine. High levels of this amino acid are linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke.
While studies have not proven that folic acid reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, several have found that higher intake is associated with a lower risk of stroke.
Possible reduced risk of cognitive decline
Homocysteine is also associated with a higher risk of dementia. While studies have not shown that taking folic acid reduces the risk of dementia in otherwise healthy people, those who are at risk of cognitive decline in older age may benefit from taking it.
that it may help preserve memory and executive function in at-risk groups.
Folate and cancer
Research on the link between folate and cancer has produced varied results. Some studies, such as
, suggest that folate may offer protection against certain cancers. Low folate levels
with an increased risk of certain cancers, such as lung, breast, cervical, and stomach cancers.
However,
have not found an association between the vitamin and cancer.
In moderate amounts, folate is not dangerous to most people. However, in large amounts, folate may pose certain health risks. Depending on the situation, this could
:
Masking vitamin B12 deficiency: People with vitamin B12 deficiency may develop megaloblastic anemia, which can cause neurological damage if left untreated. As folate can help treat certain symptoms of anemia, but not the neurological damage it can cause, folate could mask symptoms until the consequences of the true deficiency become irreversible.
Preneoplastic lesions: These lesions consist of altered cells that are more likely to become cancerous than regular cells. High folic acid intake has been linked to faster progression of these cells, which may increase the risk of certain cancers, such as
.
Unmetabolized acid: If a person has more folic acid than the body can metabolize and transform, it could affect the immune system. Some scientists have also suggested there may be a link between unmetabolized folic acid and cognitive impairment in older adults. However, there is not much research on this, so the risk is unknown.
Medication interaction: Folate supplements may interact badly with various medications, including epilepsy medications,
, and
.
Before taking any dietary supplement, it is important to speak with a doctor to check that it is safe and there are no other deficiencies or conditions that need to be addressed.
Folate is a naturally occurring form of vitamin B9, which people get from their food. Dark leafy greens, beef liver, and oranges are all good sources of folate. People can also get another form of B9, folic acid, from fortified foods. Some common examples include cereals, breads, and pasta.
get enough folate from a balanced diet, but others may need extra help getting enough. A folate deficiency can cause fatigue, mouth ulcers, and a low mood. It is more common in females and those with conditions that affect folate absorption.
If someone is concerned they may have a nutritional deficiency or are trying to conceive, they should speak with a doctor.