Folate deficiency occurs when your body lacks adequate folic acid/folate levels. You can overcome this deficiency by including food sources rich in folic acid like broccoli, brussels sprouts, leafy green vegetables, cabbage, kale, spring greens, spinach, peas, chickpeas, kidney beans, liver (avoid this during pregnancy), and breakfast cereals fortified with folic acid. If your folic acid levels are still low, your doctor may advise on its supplements.