Folate
Functions
Folate is another of the B group vitamins. The body needs folate for a number of reasons:
- to prevent neural tube defects such as spina bifida – during pregnancy folate is required for the normal development of the foetus in the womb
- for normal functioning and structure of the nervous system
- for normal cell division
- to help form healthy red blood cells
Sources
The following foods contain folate:
- green leafy vegetables such as kale or Brussels sprouts
- oranges
- bananas
- fortified breakfast cereals
Deficiency
Not eating enough folate can cause harm to our bodies in a number of ways.
Neural tube defects: If a pregnant woman is deficient in folate before her pregnancy or very early in her pregnancy then the baby is at an increased risk of being born with a neural tube defect such as spina bifida.
Miscarriage: If a pregnant woman is deficient in folate before her pregnancy or very early in her pregnancy there is an increased risk of miscarriage.
Anaemia: A lack of folate can increase the risk of anaemia.