Childhood (ages 4-8)…                                             

The Institute of Medicine recommends that children (ages 4-8) consume 200 mcg of dietary folate per day.

Folic acid and vitamin B12 are necessary to promote the rapid growth of cells, especially healthy red blood cells.  Eating foods high in folate is part of a healthy diet, and encourages children to develop healthy eating habits.

Keep in mind that most research on the effect of folic acid supplementation has been focused on adults.  More research is needed to clarify the role of folic acid in children's health.