Folate is the generic term for all forms of this vitamin. Folic acid is the man-made or synthetic form of the vitamin. It is found in fortified foods and vitamin supplements. Folic acid is better absorbed and more readily available to the body than folate. These include commercial breads, cereals, and pastas.
Items made from enriched flour products also supply folic acid.
Enriched grain products must be fortified with folic acid. Fortification is required so that women of childbearing age consume enough folate. Neural tube defects are malformations in the fetus that occur during pregnancy. The defects involve the skull and spinal column. Researchers think that most Americans get between 220 and 280 mcg a day of folate from their diets.