Vitamin B9 (Folate) Unit Converter

Vitamin B9, commonly known as folate, is a water-soluble B vitamin essential for DNA synthesis, red blood cell formation, and proper cell division. The body cannot produce folate on its own, so it must be obtained from food or supplements.

Folate refers to the naturally occurring form found in foods, while folic acid is the synthetic form used in supplements and fortified foods. Folic acid is more stable and has greater bioavailability (about 85%) compared to food folate (about 50%).

In the body, folate is converted to its active form, tetrahydrofolic acid (THF), which acts as a coenzyme in one-carbon metabolism reactions. The main circulating form in blood is 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF).

Folate must be obtained from the diet as the body cannot synthesize it. Rich natural sources include dark green leafy vegetables, legumes, citrus fruits, liver, and fortified grain products such as breads, cereals, and pasta.