New insights related to folate chemistry, bioavailability, kinetics, metabolism, nutrient-gene, and nutrient-nutrient interaction are coupled with a public health/clinical medicine perspective of research findings targeted to birth defects, vascular and neurological diseases, and cancer. Epidemiological evidence is interpreted in tandem with new findings related to folate’s mechanistic role in health maintenance and disease/birth defect prevention. Global recommendations for folate intake and a synopsis of folic acid fortification programs are featured. Folate acid intake and status in the U.S. are described in relation to the impact of fortification. A comprehensive critique of analytical techniques for folate analysis provides a valuable resource for future investigations as well as an interpretation of existing studies. This authoritative text covers: Assembling more than 50 international experts working on the front lines of folate research, this standard-setting reference brings you up to speed on the explosion of information garnered from a wealth of new developments. It continues to be a must-have resource for investigators in both basic and applied research and scientists and nutritionists in academia, clinical medicine, and public health.