About Folate
Folate (vitamin B9) is a water-soluble B vitamin critical for DNA synthesis and repair, cell division, and the production of new red blood cells — making it especially essential during pregnancy and periods of rapid growth. It works closely with vitamin B12 to regulate homocysteine metabolism; low folate raises homocysteine, increasing cardiovascular and cognitive disease risk. Folate deficiency also causes megaloblastic anemia: oversized, poorly functioning red blood cells that can't carry oxygen efficiently.