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Nutrition & Dietetics vocabulary · Vitamins and Minerals

Folate

Meaning in nutrition & dietetics, with examples

/ˈfoʊleɪt/nounCommon term

In nutrition & dietetics, folate means: A B vitamin (B9) needed to make DNA and red blood cells. It occurs naturally in leafy greens and legumes; its synthetic form, folic acid, is used in supplements and fortified foods.

In Turkish: folat, folik asit

How it is used

Especially important around pregnancy, because enough folate before conception and in early pregnancy lowers the risk of neural tube defects. Many countries fortify flour with folic acid. Professionals separate 'folate', the general and natural forms, from 'folic acid', the synthetic form.

Example sentences

  1. Lentils, chickpeas and spinach are good natural sources of folate.

  2. Low folate levels can cause a type of anemia with unusually large red blood cells.

Common collocations

  • folate deficiency
  • folic acid supplement
  • folate status
  • folic acid fortification
  • vitaminAn organic substance that the body needs in small amounts for growth, immunity and normal metabolism. Most vitamins must come from food because the body cannot make enough of them.
  • vitamin B12A vitamin needed for healthy nerves, DNA and red blood cells. It is found naturally almost only in animal foods such as meat, fish, eggs and dairy.
  • fortifiedDescribing a food to which vitamins or minerals have been added, often ones not naturally present, to improve nutrition, such as flour with folic acid or salt with iodine.
  • deficiencyA lack of a nutrient in the body that is serious enough to affect health or cause specific signs, such as anemia caused by too little iron.

More terms: Vitamins and Minerals

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This page explains English vocabulary for learners. It is not medical advice.