Folate / Folic Acid

Folate is a B-vitamin the body needs to make DNA and support cell division; folic acid is its synthetic supplement/fortification form.

Supplement

What it is

Folate is a B-vitamin that is naturally present in many foods, including beef liver, leafy green vegetables, oranges and orange juice, nuts, beans, and peas; folic acid is the synthetic form used in supplements and to fortify foods like enriched bread, flour, pasta, rice, and fortified cereals. The body needs folate to make DNA and other genetic material, and for cells to divide. Some groups are more likely to have insufficient folate intake, including teen girls, women of reproductive age, people with alcohol use disorder, and those with celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease. According to the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, taking large amounts of folate supplements might hide a vitamin B12 deficiency, and high doses of folic acid might increase the risk of colorectal and possibly other cancers in some people.

Food and timing considerations

Naturally present in beef liver, dark leafy greens (such as spinach), asparagus, brussels sprouts, oranges and orange juice, nuts, beans, and peas. Folic acid (the synthetic form) is added to enriched breads, flours, pasta, rice, and many fortified breakfast cereals and corn masa flour.

Known interaction categories

Insufficient evidence
Monitor

Published interaction pages on this site

Sources

Folate — Consumer — NIH Office of Dietary Supplements Folate — Health Professional Fact Sheet — NIH Office of Dietary Supplements

Last reviewed 2026-08-24

Medical information disclaimer: this information is general and educational. It does not diagnose conditions, prescribe treatment, or determine whether a combination is safe for you personally. Follow your prescription label and ask a pharmacist or clinician before starting, stopping, or combining products. Full disclaimer.