In brief
A B vitamin your body needs to make DNA and other genetic material and for cells to divide. Taking folic acid before and in early pregnancy helps prevent neural tube defects in babies.
- In Australia, wheat flour used in bread making must contain folic acid, according to healthdirect.
- Organic, gluten-free and other-grain breads do not need to contain folic acid.
- Folic acid supplements lower homocysteine levels, but they do not directly lower the risk of heart disease.
How it works
Folate is called folic acid when it comes as a food additive or supplement. Your body uses folate to form red blood cells, and too little causes folate deficiency anaemia, in which red blood cells are larger than normal.
In Australia, a daily 400 microgram folic acid supplement is recommended for at least 1 month before and 3 months after falling pregnant. People with alcohol use disorder are at higher risk of low folate.
Food sources
- Green leafy vegetables
- Legumes such as chickpeas and lentils
- Citrus fruit
- Avocado
- Breads and cereals made with wheat flour
- Eggs
From the AskBioMap food guide:
Connections
4 connections on the map. Select a topic to read its page.
Folate (and folic acid) is needed for
Your body uses folate to form red blood cells.
Source: healthdirect Australia, Folate
Folate takes part in the single-carbon transfers that make DNA and turn homocysteine into methionine.
Source: NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, Folate: fact sheet for health professionals
Folate (and folic acid) is measured by
Total vitamin B12 and serum folate are the first tests used to look for a deficiency.
Folate (and folic acid) can be lowered by
Alcohol interferes with how the body absorbs folate.
Source: NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, Folate: fact sheet for health professionals
Lab tests
- Full blood count (FBC)One of the most common blood tests. It counts and measures red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets.
- Vitamin B12 and folate testsBlood tests for vitamin B12 and folate, usually ordered after a full blood count shows a problem, or for nerve symptoms.
- Homocysteine testMeasures homocysteine, an amino acid. It is most often used to assess vitamin B12, folate and B6 levels.
Sources
Each connection above names its own source. See every source AskBioMap uses.
Summarised from healthdirect and the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. Sources read on 13 October 2026. General education only, not medical advice. Spotted a mistake? Please tell us through the HuBu-Intel contact page.