Folic Acid

Folate deficiency can occur for various reasons:

 

Diet: low intake of folate-rich foods like leafy green vegetables, beans, citrus fruits, and whole grains.

Alcohol consumption: excessive alcohol use can impair the body's ability to absorb folate.

Digestive issues: conditions like coeliac disease can interfere with folate absorption.

Medications: certain medications may prevent the body from properly absorbing folate.

 

Genetic factors: some individuals may have inherited conditions affecting folate absorption.

Folate is found in a variety of foods. Excellent sources include leafy green vegetables like spinach, kale, and broccoli; legumes such as lentils and chickpeas; and fortified breakfast cereals. You can also find folate in fruits like oranges, as well as in poultry, pork, and shellfish. Important note: While liver is a rich source of folate, you should avoid it during pregnancy.

No, folate and folic acid are not exactly the same. Folate is the natural form of vitamin B9 found in foods. Folic acid is the synthetic form of vitamin B9 found in supplements and fortified foods - our body then turns folic acid into folate.