For years, health and nutrition experts have known that folate, or folic acid, is an important nutrient for good health, particularly in women who are pregnant. Now scientists are beginning to understand the important role that folate may play in reducing oxidative stress in our bodies, and by extension, the aging of our bodies.

Oxidative stress (OS) is the process whereby our body's metabolism produces more reactive oxygen than it can clear, resulting in an imbalance that results in the buildup of free radicals to toxic levels that can damage vital components of the cell, including proteins, lipids, and DNA. As a consequence, OS has been implicated in a whole host of chronic diseases.

The role of folate in the maintenance of cellular health has been well documented. In fact, they are known to be important in cell division and cell replication, making them of particular relevance for expecting mothers. There is even evidence that folate, in some form or another, is vital to almost every living thing in our environment, and may play a role in the very survival of the planet.

In terms of human health, the roles of folate are numerous, and these new findings, which were published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science, add to that list. They also link folate to the production and repair of compounds that enable cells to carry out important physiological reactions, including the production of energy.

However, folate has also been found to play a role in the body's mediation of highly reactive metabolic by-products that include free radicals. Buildup of these by-products "pollute" the cell and speed up cell aging and death. They have also been linked to a number of chronic diseases, including heart disease, certain cancers, atherosclerosis, and Parkinson's disease. Researchers hope that the data will hopefully lead to new directions to address oxidative stress repair.

Folate is a water soluble B vitamin that is important to good health. Because it dissolves in water, it is constantly excreted by the body and must therefore be continuously be supplied to the body. Good sources of folate include legumes, citrus fruits, whole grains, dark green leafy vegetables, and meat (pork, poultry and fish). Folate can be obtained through fortified foods, as well as supplements.

Folate works in conjunction with vitamin B12 and vitamin C to help metabolize and create new proteins. Folate is necessary for the formation of new red blood cells and plays an important role in the synthesis of DNA, the genetic information of every cell.

If you have questions or concerns about folate in your diet, speak with your doctor or a nutrition expert. For more information, visit the website for the Office of Dietary Supplements of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).