Folic acid

Folate and folic acid are forms of a water-soluble B vitamin. Folate occurs naturally in food, and folic acid is the synthetic form of this vitamin. Foods that are naturally high in folate include leafy vegetables (such as spinach, broccoli, and lettuce), okra, asparagus, fruits (such as bananas, melons, and lemons) beans, yeast, mushrooms, meat (such as beef liver and kidney), orange juice, and tomato juice. Folic acid is used for preventing and treating folate deficiency. High levels of homocysteine have been linked to heart disease and stroke. Taking folic acid lowers homocysteine levels in people with serious kidney disease. Folic acid during pregnancy reduces the risk of neural tube birth defects. Taking folic acid seems to reduce nausea and vomiting, which are possible side effects of methotrexate treatment. Folic acid is also used for many other conditions including depression, stroke, decline in memory and thinking skills in older people. Folic acid is often used in combination with other B vitamins.