Folate contributes to health in several ways
Folic acid and birth defects prevention
Folate has other health benefits, too
Other health issues (medications, other foods)
Weight loss diets and folate
Folate contributes to health in several ways
 Folate is needed for proper growth and development. It helps make new cells so folate is very important for a pregnant woman and her baby. Children and teenagers need plenty of folate, too. Click here to find out more about the importance of folate for children and teenagers.
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Folate is needed for good health and may help reduce the risk of serious birth defects and some chronic diseases such as heart disease and certain cancers. |
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  Even adults make new cells every day, so folate is important for everyone, including men and seniors!
Folate is needed to make healthy red blood cells. If folate is in short supply, red blood cells cannot divide properly, which can cause anemia.
Folic acid and birth defects prevention
 Women who get enough folic acid before and during pregnancy can help reduce their risk of having a baby with a serious birth defect of the brain and spine, called neural tube defects.
• All women of childbearing age should get 400 micrograms of folic acid every day as part of a healthy diet. This includes teenagers and younger girls whose bodies have begun to change to prepare them for being mothers someday.
• Women should get folic acid by taking a multivitamin that contains 400 micrograms of folic acid. They can also get folic acid by eating fortified foods. Many breakfast cereals contain 400 micrograms of folic acid per serving. A healthy diet should include plenty of folate-rich foods.
• Recommendations for folic acid intake are supported by the U.S. Public Health Service, the National Academy of Sciences, the March of Dimes, and professional organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Click here to find out more about folic acid and preventing birth defects.
Folate has other health benefits, too
Emerging research shows that folic acid may help to reduce the risk of other birth defects of the heart, face, urinary tract, and limbs. Folate also may help to reduce the risk for certain diseases or conditions including:
 • Cardiovascular diseases like coronary heart disease and stroke.
• Certain cancers such as breast and cervical*.
• Diseases that affect the brain or mental function such as Alzheimer's disease, dementia, and depression.
There is some controversy as to whether folic acid is associated with an increased risk for colorectal cancer or developing pre-cancerous adenomas (polyps). If you are at higher risk for colorectal cancer (e.g., over age 50, have a family history, have been previously diagnosed with polyps or colorectal cancer), make sure you see your doctor to discuss having regular screenings for precancerous adenomas, which can reduce the chances of developing colorectal cancer.
Although research has not confirmed that folate can reduce the rates of these serious diseases, studies so far have shown promising results.
Click here to learn more about folate and chronic diseases.
Eating folate-rich foods (for example, dark green leafy vegetables, legumes such as dried beans and peas, and orange juice) as part of a healthy diet is a great way to help you get the folate you need every day. As an added bonus, these foods contribute to overall health in other ways because they are:
 • Good sources of other vitamins and minerals
• Higher in fiber
• Lower in fat
• Cholesterol-free
• Lower in sodium
Click here to see a list of foods and their folate content.
Other health issues (medications, other foods)
Effects of medications
Certain medications may affect how the body absorbs or uses folate. These include anti-seizure medications, certain antibiotics, medications used to treat arthritis or cancer, or certain anti-inflammatory medications. Click here to see a list of medications that might interact with folate or talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Effects of Foods
Low folate status is common among people who consume alcohol in large quantities. Excessive alcohol intake may keep someone from eating other foods or getting the nutrients they need from their diet. Alcohol also may affect the way the body uses folate. People with a high intake of alcohol may need more folate in their diets.
Weight loss diets and folate
Before beginning any weight loss diet, be sure to check with your doctor.
 Many weight loss diets suggest limiting the intake of certain foods, which can affect the types and amounts of nutrients you get (or don't get) from foods. For instance, a weight loss diet that limits the intake of certain carbohydrates may lower the intake of folate because many of these foods (e.g., cereal, bread, pasta, rice) are fortified with folic acid.
 If you follow a weight loss diet that severely limits an entire category of foods, consider that you may be missing out on essential nutrients. After all, that's why it is recommended to eat a variety of foods -- so that you get all the nutrients you need to be healthy! If you limit your intake of carbohydrates, it may be especially important to take a multivitamin every day and select folate-rich foods (e.g., dark green leafy vegetables, legumes such as dried beans and peas, and orange juice for your carbohydrate food choices).
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