Folate and folic acid are different forms of vitamin B9. While there’s a distinct difference between the two, their names are often used interchangeably.
Vitamin B9 is an essential nutrient that naturally occurs as folate. According to Healthline.com it serves many important functions in your body. Vitamin B9 deficiency can lead to anaemia and might increase your risk of heart disease. It›s also important during early pregnancy for a developing baby. Signs of deficiency include tiredness, weakness, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, and difficulty concentrating. Supplementing with vitamin B9 is common. Fortifying food with this nutrient is mandatory in many countries, including Canada.
Folate is the naturally occurring form of vitamin B9. Before entering your bloodstream, your digestive system converts it to the biologically active form of vitamin B9.
Folic acid is a synthetic form of vitamin B9. Folic acid is commonly used to treat or prevent folate deficiency anaemia or to help a baby,s brain, skull and spinal cord develop properly in pregnancy, to avoid development problems (called neural tube defects) such as spina bifida.
It’s best to get vitamin B9 from whole foods such as asparagus, avocados, Brussels sprouts and leafy greens like spinach and lettuce.
However, for some people, especially for someone who is pregnant, supplements are an easy way to ensure adequate vitamin B9 intake. You may also need higher doses of folic acid if you:
• Have kidney disease and are on dialysis.
• Have sickle cell disease.
• Have liver disease.
• Take medications to treat epilepsy, type 2 diabetes, lupus, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, or inflammatory bowel disease.
Talk with your health care provider about taking supplements like folic acid. Be informed before you start.
