is folate the same as folic acid

Folate and folic acid are related but not the same. Folate is the natural form of vitamin B9 found in foods like leafy greens, beans, and citrus fruits, while folic acid is the synthetic (man-made) form used in supplements and fortified foods. Both are important for cell growth and development, especially during pregnancy to prevent birth defects, but folic acid requires conversion in the body to become active, which is less efficient than the natural folate found in foods.