Folate - Wikipedia

Folate, distinct forms of which are known as folic acid, folacin, and vitamin B₉,is one of the B vitamins.The recommended daily intake of folate in the US is 400 micrograms from foods or dietary supplements. Folate in the form of folic acid is used to treat anemia caused by folic acid deficiency. Folic acid is also used as a supplement by women during pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects (NTDs) in the baby.Low levels in early pregnancy are believed to be the cause of more than half of babies born with NTDs. More than 50 countries use fortification of certain foods with folic acid as a measure to decrease the rate of NTDs in the population. Long-term supplementation is also associated with small reductions in the risk of stroke and cardiovascular disease. It may be taken by mouth or by injection