Folate

<p>The term ‘folates’ refers to the set of the various forms of folic acid. Folic acid or vitamin B9 is particularly important in periods of frequent cell division and growth, such as childhood growth and pregnancy. Folate deficiency can lead to megaloblastic anaemia and increase the risk of congenital abnormalities, some forms of cancer, cognitive dysfunction in old age and, if associated with an increase in homocysteine concentration, cardiovascular disease.</p><p> Vitamin B9 deficiency in pregnant women causes neural tube defects (NTDs) in the unborn child.</p>