Vitamin B9, more commonly known as folate (naturally-occurring form of B9) or folic acid (a synthetic form), is a water-soluble vitamin that is part of the B vitamin family. B vitamins and folate help support adrenal function, help calm and maintain a healthy nervous system, and are necessary for key metabolic processes. Folate occurs naturally in foods, while folic acid is the synthetic form of folate. Vitamin B9 enters into the synthesis of DNA and RNA, which are necessary for protein formation. It is therefore especially important during periods of rapid growth such as fetal development, childhood, and adolescence, due to its role in the production of new cells.