Folate: What Is Vitamin B9 Good For, and How Much Do You Need?
Most people get enough folate from natural and fortified foods. You may need supplements if you require a higher daily amount or are at risk of not getting enough of this important vitamin.
The body needs essential vitamins and minerals to function properly. One key vitamin is folate.
Many natural and processed foods contain folate. It is also found in various multivitamins and supplements, which are sold both over the counter and by prescription.
Here’s what you need to know about folate, how much you need each day, and when you should talk to your doctor about supplementation.
What Is Folate?
Folate is the natural form of vitamin B9. In its synthetic form, this vitamin is also called folic acid.
Natural folate is found in foods such as beans and citrus fruits. Folic acid, however, is found in fortified foods, such as bread, pasta, and flour, as well as in supplements.
What Does Folate Do?
Folate is an essential nutrient needed during the process of cell division to create new, healthy cells. It is also crucial for producing DNA and other genetic material in the body.
Folate plays a critical role during pregnancy. If you do not get enough folate, the chance that your baby will have a neural tube defect, such as spina bifida, increases. It may also increase the chance of premature birth or low birth weight.
Although more research is needed, several other areas may also benefit, such as:
- reducing the risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
- reducing homocysteine levels in the body, thereby lowering the risk of heart attack, stroke, and dementia
- potentially reducing the risk of depression and helping some antidepressants work more effectively
How Much Folate Do You Need?
The amount of folate you need depends on your age, sex, and other health circumstances.
The recommended amount of folate for people aged 14 and older is:
- men: 400 micrograms (mcg) dietary folate equivalents (DFE)
- women: 400 mcg DFE
- breastfeeding: 500 mcg DFE
- pregnant: 600 mcg DFE
The recommended amount of folate for children aged 13 and younger is:
Recommended:- under 6 months: 65 mcg DFE
- 7–12 months: 80 mcg DFE
- 1–3 years: 150 mcg DFE
- 4–8 years: 200 mcg DFE
- 9–13 years: 300 mcg DFE
Source: www.healthline.com


