Natural folates from biofortified tomato and synthetic 5-methyl-tetrahydrofolate display equivalent bioavailability in a murine model.

Folate deficiency is a global health problem related to neural tube defects, cardiovascular disease, dementia, and cancer. Considering that folic acid (FA) supply through industrialized foods is the most successful intervention, limitations exist for its complete implementation worldwide. Biofortification of plant foods, on the other hand, could be implemented in poor areas as a complementary alternative.