HINT: Folic acid is a B vitamin that helps cells grow and also helps to make DNA and protein. It is very important in helping the embryo to develop because it is essential for the rapid cell division needed to make tissues and organs in the embryo and fetus. Folate and folic acid are different terms for the same B vitamin. While these two terms are often used interchangeably, there are some differences between them. Folate is the B vitamin form found naturally in foods. Folic acid is not found in natural food sources. Folic acid is the synthetic B vitamin form that is used in vitamin supplements and added to fortified foods. Synthetic folic acid is absorbed more easily than natural food folate.