What is the main purpose of folate?

January 1, 2026 •

2 min read

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), getting adequate folic acid—the synthetic form of folate—is proven to reduce the risk of neural tube defects in infants. This highlights a key aspect of the main purpose of folate, a vital nutrient involved in numerous fundamental bodily processes from cell division to DNA formation.

Quick Summary

This article explains the critical biological functions of folate, a B vitamin essential for DNA creation and repair, producing healthy red blood cells, and supporting rapid cell growth, particularly during pregnancy and infancy.

Key Points

DNA and Cell Production: The main purpose of folate is to help the body make and repair DNA and other genetic material, which is critical for cell growth and division.
Red Blood Cell Formation: Folate is essential for producing healthy red blood cells, and a deficiency can lead to a specific type of anemia.
Preventing Birth Defects: For women of childbearing age, adequate folate intake is vital to prevent neural tube defects like spina bifida in developing fetuses.
Homocysteine Regulation: By helping to metabolize homocysteine, folate supports cardiovascular health and may reduce the risk of stroke.
Growth and Development: Because it aids in cell creation, folate is particularly important during periods of rapid growth, such as pregnancy, infancy, and adolescence.
Natural vs. Synthetic: Natural folate is found in foods, while the more stable and absorbable folic acid is used in supplements and fortified products.
Anemia Prevention: A deficiency in folate can result in megaloblastic anemia, a condition characterized by abnormally large red blood cells that cannot function effectively.

The Core Functions of Folate

DNA and Genetic Material Synthesis

A primary function of folate at the cellular level is its role in synthesizing, repairing, and methylating DNA and RNA. This is crucial for cell growth, division, and proper function. Without enough folate, these processes can be impaired, potentially leading to health issues. Folate is especially critical during rapid growth phases, such as fetal development, infancy, and adolescence.

Production of Healthy Red Blood Cells

Folate is necessary for forming healthy red blood cells, which transport oxygen. Proper red blood cell development is vital for energy. A folate deficiency can cause megaloblastic anemia, where red blood cells are large and immature, reducing oxygen capacity. Symptoms include fatigue and weakness. Folate and vitamin B12 work together in this process.

Fetal Development and Birth Defect Prevention

Adequate folate before and early in pregnancy is widely recommended. Insufficient folate during this time significantly raises the risk of neural tube defects (NTDs), severe birth defects of the brain and spine that develop early in pregnancy. Many countries fortify grain products with folic acid, and supplements are advised for women of childbearing age for this reason.

Homocysteine Metabolism

Folate, with vitamins B6 and B12, helps break down homocysteine, an amino acid. High homocysteine levels are linked to increased risk of heart disease and stroke. Folate contributes to cardiovascular health by helping to regulate homocysteine. Folate supplementation has been shown to reduce stroke risk, particularly in those with low folate levels.

Natural Folate vs. Synthetic Folic Acid

Natural folate and synthetic folic acid differ in absorption and stability, although they serve the same purpose.


Feature	Natural Folate	Synthetic Folic Acid
Source	Found naturally in foods like leafy greens, citrus fruits, and legumes.	Added to fortified foods (bread, cereals, pasta) and used in dietary supplements.
Absorption	Less stable and absorbed less effectively by the body.	More stable and easily absorbed by the body.
Stability	Susceptible to degradation by heat and light during cooking.	Highly stable and remains intact during food preparation.
Usage	Primarily obtained through a balanced diet.	Recommended as a supplement, especially for women of childbearing age, to ensure adequate intake.

Conclusion

The main purpose of folate is to support essential biological processes like DNA synthesis and cell division, crucial for health at all ages. Its vital role is especially clear in preventing severe birth defects during fetal development. Folate also helps produce healthy red blood cells and regulates homocysteine for cardiovascular health. Ensuring adequate intake through diet and supplements is important for preventative health.

For more detailed information on nutrient functions, please consult the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary role of folate is to aid in the synthesis, repair, and methylation of DNA and RNA, which are essential processes for cell division and growth.

Folate is crucial for the proper development of the neural tube in a fetus, which forms the brain and spinal cord. Adequate intake before and during early pregnancy significantly reduces the risk of neural tube defects (NTDs), such as spina bifida.

Folate is the naturally occurring form of vitamin B9 found in food, while folic acid is the synthetic form used in supplements and to fortify grain products. Folic acid is more stable and better absorbed by the body.

While a balanced diet includes folate-rich foods like leafy greens, legumes, and citrus fruits, many countries also mandate folic acid fortification of grains to ensure adequate intake, especially for women who could become pregnant.

A folate deficiency can lead to megaloblastic anemia, which causes fatigue, weakness, and other symptoms. For pregnant women, it increases the risk of birth defects.

Taking very high doses of folic acid can mask a vitamin B12 deficiency, potentially leading to irreversible neurological damage. It is important to stay within recommended intake levels and consult a healthcare provider.

People with malabsorptive disorders like celiac or Crohn's disease, individuals with alcohol use disorders, and women of childbearing age have a higher risk of folate inadequacy.