Folic acid is a water-soluble vitamin, also known as folate, that has many important functions in the body. Many foods contain naturally, and in fortified foods synthetically produced forms. Since it has important functions in cell production, an adequate intake is extremely important, especially during rapid growth periods such as pregnancy, infancy and adolescence.

Folic acid has a wide variety of functions in the body. It helps the body produce new cells and protect the produced cells. Another function is to prevent DNA changes that can cause cancer. It is necessary for the production of red and white blood cells in the bone marrow, the conversion of carbohydrates into energy and the production of DNA and RNA.
In particular, it plays a key role in the formation of red blood cells. Folic acid deficiency is the cause of a type of anemia known as megaloblastic anemia in both adults and children.