What is the difference between folic acid and folate?
Folic acid is the synthetic form of the B vitamin found in fortified foods, like cereals and pasta, as well as in supplements. Folic acid is the form of the vitamin that is better absorbed and more readily available to the body than folate in non-fortified foods. Folate refers to the form of this vitamin found naturally occurring in foods and serves as an umbrella term for all forms of this vitamin, including folic acid.
There are two important differences between folic acid and folate that you should be aware of: • Where they are found • Folic acid is the synthetic form of the vitamin that is used in supplements and fortified foods. • Folate is found naturally in foods such as orange and other citrus juices, green leafy vegetables such as broccoli, and beans. • How the body uses them • While synthetic folic acid is almost completely absorbed by the body, natural folate is only partially absorbed.
