Folate and its synthetic form, folic acid, are water-soluble B vitamins. Folate occurs naturally in legumes, citrus fruits and green, leafy vegetables, and folic acid is added to fortified foods and dietary supplements. Folic acid plays an especially important role during pregnancy, but it also has important functions for men.
Recommended Intake
Males and females ages 14 years and over should get 400 mcg of folate per day, according to the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. Adult men do not need as much folate as pregnant women, who should get 600 mcg per day, or lactating women, who should get 500 mcg per day. While naturally occurring folate from foods poses no health risk, too much folic acid can mask symptoms of vitamin B-12 deficiency, a potentially serious condition. For this reason, adults should get no more than 1,000 mcg of folic acid per day, notes the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.
Basic Functions
The body needs folate to produce and maintain new cells, produce DNA and RNA and prevent cancer-causing changes to DNA. Along with other B vitamins, folate plays an essential role in red blood cell production and the prevention of anemia. Folate also plays a role in the metabolism of the amino acid homocysteine, helping to prevent elevated homocysteine levels, a risk factor for heart disease.
Deficiency Symptoms
Insufficient intake or absorption of folate and folic acid can cause folate deficiency, a condition that can cause anemia, weakness, fatigue, sore tongue, headaches, heart palpitations, irritability, memory problems, behavioral disorders, elevated homocysteine levels and digestive problems such as diarrhea, loss of appetite and weight loss.
Groups at Risk for Deficiency
Certain conditions, including chronic malabsorption, liver disease and kidney failure, can increase the risk for folate deficiency. Adult men with these conditions may benefit from folic acid supplements. Alcohol abuse and certain medications, including anti-convulsant medications, metformin, sulfasalazine, triamterene, methotrexate and barbiturates, can interfere with folate utilization. Men who take these medications or abuse alcohol may need folic acid supplements to prevent a deficiency.
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