Folate is not the same thing as folic acid. Folate is a beneficial nutrient found in plant foods, and synthetic folic acid from supplements and fortified foods is linked to an increased risk of cancer. Folic acid is often given to pregnant women to prevent neural tube defects. Instead, we should focus on encouraging pregnant women to eat a diet high in folate, like dark leafy greens, broccoli, and beans. | Joel Fuhrman, M.D.