Back to knowledge libraryFolate
What is Folate?
Folate is a water-soluble vitamin found in foods such as broccoli, kale and chickpeas. Folic acid found in some foods is the manmade form of folate. The UK government recommends an intake of 200 μg of folate per day for adults. For example eating 30g fruit and fibre cereal, 250ml skimmed milk and 80g pinto beans would meet the target intake. Pregnant women are recommended to supplement with 400μg of folic acid daily until the 12th week of pregnancy to help prevent birth defects of the central nervous system.
What is the role of Folate?
Folate is involved in making red blood cells, decreasing tiredness, and supporting a healthy immune system. It also is required for supporting the healthy nervous system of unborn babies and as a result the folate demand increases during pregnancy.
Further Resources:
- Vitamins and minerals – B vitamins and folic acid – NHS
- Vitamins and Minerals – Nutritional Information
References:
Public Health England (2016). Government Dietary Recommendations: Government recommendations for energy and nutrients for males and females aged 1–18 years and 19+ years. Available at:
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a749fece5274a44083b82d8/government_dietary_recommendations.pdf [Accessed 21 Aug 2024].
National Health Service (2020). B vitamins and folic acid. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/vitamin-b/ [Accessed 09 September].
National Institutes of Health (2022). Folate. Available at: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Folate-HealthProfessional/ [Accessed 09 September 2024].
Written By:
Lucy Clarkson, SENR Nutritionist and Database Support, myfood24.