Folate
Vitamin B9 or Folic Acid
Why do I need Folate in my body?
Folate is necessary for the cells in our body to divide or go through mitosis. When cells go through mitosis, they create another copy of DNA for the new cell, and Folate is used to make this DNA and other genetic material.
Where can I get my Folate?
Folate can be found in many foods around you. In vegetables, you can find folate in asparagus and dark leafy vegetables like spinach. Folate is present in fruits and fruit juices such as oranges and orange juice. Folate can also be found in nuts such as peanuts, black-eyed peas, and kidney beans. Grains such as whole grains, enriched flour products, and rice contain foliate.
Vegetables
Folate can be found in vegetables such as asparagus
Grains
Folate can be commonly found in black-eyed peas.
Supplement
For those who have a Folate deficiency, there are Folic Acid supplements that are available for them to take.
What happens if I don't have enough Folate?
Folate deficiency is very rare. However, Folate deficiency results in megaloblastic anemia which causes weakeness, fatigue, trouble concentrating, irritability, headaches, heart palpitations, and shortness of breath. You can detect Folate deficiencies because they cause sores on your tongue and causes the color of your skins, hair, and nails to change. Folate deficiency can cause pregnant women to have premature or low-birth-weight babies, so it is important that everyone gets the amount of folate they need.