Folate, Folic Acid

Folic acid is part of the vitamin B complex that the body needs for small amounts of healthy functioning. Folic acid helps produce red blood cells and is found in milk, whole grains, liver, green vegetables, orange juice, lentils, beans, and yeast. Folic acid is soluble in water and should be consumed every day. Lack of folic acid can cause anemia, cardiovascular disease, and brain and spinal cord defects in the fetus. Today, researchers are investigating the efficacy of folic acid with vitamin B12 in the prevention and treatment of cancer.