Our formula of the water-soluble vitamin B9 (Folic acid and Folate inclusive) is essential to numerous bodily functions ranging from nucleotide synthesis to the methylation of homocysteine. It is especially important during periods of rapid cell division and growth. Both children and adults require folic acid to produce healthy red blood cells and prevent anemia. Folate and folic acid derive their name from the Latin word folium (leaf). A B-vitamin are very important for the normal fetal growth and development of red blood cells.