Absorption of Folate

• Folate is a water-soluble B vitamin
• Absorption at proximal part of small intestine
• About 85% of supplemental folic acid, when taken with food, is bioavailable
• When consumed without food, nearly 100% of supplemental folic acid is bioavailable

People with alcohol dependence

• People with alcohol dependence frequently have poor-quality diets that contain insufficient amounts of folate. 
• Moreover, alcohol interferes with folate absorption and metabolism and accelerates its breakdown 
• Even moderate alcohol consumption of 240 ml (8 fluid ounces) red wine per day or 80 ml (2.7 fluid ounces) vodka per day for 2 weeks can significantly decrease serum folate concentrations in healthy men

People with malabsorptive disorders

• tropical sprue, celiac disease, and inflammatory bowel disease—might have lower folate absorption than people without these disorders 
•  Diminished gastric acid secretion associated with atrophic gastritis, gastric surgery, and other conditions can also reduce folate absorption

Reference

1. Lexicomp
2. http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Folate-HealthProfessional/