Folic acid is important in the synthesis of DNA, which controls cell function and heredity as well as tissue growth. In addition, folate acts with vitamin B-12 to produce red blood cells. Preliminary studies also suggest that folacin may be helpful in preventing cervical cancer.
Most people get an adequate amount of folic acid from the foods they eat.
Alcoholics, pregnant women, and people taking certain medications may be at higher risk for folate deficiency. Rich dietary sources of folate are recommended over supplements. Food processing destroys 50 percent to 90 percent of the folate in foods, as it is very susceptible to heat. It is not a good idea to take a folate supplement. In fact, the FDA limits the amount of folate available in vitamin supplements because excess folate in the body could mask a vitamin B-12 deficiency, which could be dangerous.