Folate

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. Folate helps cells grow and divide, reduces risk of certain birth defects, is important for red blood cells and crucial in creating amino acids.

Where you get 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.

In 1996, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published regulations requiring the addition of folic acid to enriched breads, cereals, flours, corn meals, pastas, rice, and other grain products. Since cereals and grains are widely consumed in the U.S., these products have become a very important contributor of folic acid to the American diet.

People who abuse alcohol, those taking medications that may interfere with the action of folate (including, but not limited to those listed above), individuals diagnosed with anemia from folate deficiency, and those with malabsorption, liver disease, or who are receiving kidney dialysis treatment may benefit from a folic acid supplement.

RDA: 400mcg for adults.

Folate and Vitamin B6 Reduce the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease

Researchers from the graduate school of medicine in Osaka, Japan used a food frequency questionnaire to conduct a prospective cohort study of 58,730 Japanese adults over 14 years. It was found that there was an inverse relationship between folate and vitamin B6 intake with mortality from heart failure for men and mortality from stroke, coronary heart disease and total cardiovascular disease for women. Source: Cui, R.; Iso, H.; Date, C.; Kikuchi, S.; Tamakoshi, A. Dietary Folate and Vitamin B6 and B12 Intake in Relation to Mortality From Cardiovascular Diseases. Japan Collaborative Cohort Study. Stroke, 2010

See also: Folic Acid

Share|


Back to Nutrients Index

Disclaimer: The herbal and health information provided in this Web Site is intended as information only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Nothing listed within this Web Site should be considered as medical advice for dealing with a given problem. You should consult your health care professional for individual guidance for specific health problems. Persons with serious medical conditions should always seek professional care. If there is a link to a product in an article, a commission may be paid if a visitor to the site purchases the product. For more details, please see our Privacy Policy.