# folate

CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/folate
Updated: 2026-10-15

## Definition

a natural form of vitamin B9 that helps your body make new cells and healthy blood. You get it from green leafy vegetables, beans, and fruit.

For teachers: a naturally occurring form of vitamin B9 essential for DNA synthesis, red blood cell formation, and normal fetal development. Found concentrated in leafy green vegetables, legumes, and citrus fruit, in contrast to folic acid, the synthetic form used in supplements.

## Examples

- Spinach contains a lot of natural folate.
- Doctors tell pregnant women to get enough folate because it helps the baby's brain and spine develop.
- While folic acid supplements prevent deficiency, researchers note that folate from leafy greens and lentils comes with fibre and other nutrients that pills lack.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.