Folate and folic acid are sometimes marketed interchangeably, and inaccurately. Folate is the bioavailable, naturally occurring form of vitamin B9, while folic acid is the synthetic form found in supplements and fortified foods. Unlike folic acid, folate is readily and easily metabolized by the body, bypassing the need for reduction and methylation in the liver. 20-40% of women actually have a gene-mutation called MTHFR that prevents them from processing folic acid into usable folate.