Folic Acid
Folic acid is a man-made version of a B vitamin, folate. Folate is especially important during periods of rapid cell growth, such as during infancy and pregnancy. Folate is needed to make the building blocks of cells known as DNA and RNA. Folate helps prevent changes to DNA that can lead to cancer. Both adults and children need folate to make red blood cells and prevent anemia. Folate also helps the body keep normal levels of homocysteine, an amino acid that has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and osteoporosis. Follow the links below to find WebMD's comprehensive coverage about how folic acid and folate work, what products contain this vitamin, and when you need a supplement.
Folic Acid Directory
Folic acid is a man-made version of a B vitamin, folate. Folate is especially important during periods of rapid cell growth, such as during infancy and pregnancy. Folate is needed to make the building blocks of cells known as DNA and RNA. Folate helps prevent changes to DNA that can lead to cancer. Both adults and children need folate to make red blood cells and prevent anemia. Folate also helps the body keep normal levels of homocysteine, an amino acid that has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and osteoporosis. Follow the links below to find WebMD's comprehensive coverage about how folic acid and folate work, what products contain this vitamin, and when you need a supplement.