This vitamin is called folate when found naturally in foods but when it has been manufactured for use in multivitamin supplements it is called folic acid.
Folate is vital for the production and maintenance of new cells especially during pregnancy and infancy when cell growth is rapid. Children and adults need folic acid to produce red blood cells and to prevent anaemia.
During early pregnancy having adequate folate levels can prevent birth defects as well as having babies with a low birth-weight or are premature.
Vitamin B9 can be found in:
- Leafy greens such as spinach and turnip greens
- Broccoli
- Asparagus
- Mushrooms
- Liver
- Dry beans and peas
- Fortified cereals and grain products
- Fortified juices
