Where is folate predominantly absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract?

Folate is predominantly absorbed in the jejunum, which is the middle section of the small intestine. The jejunum has a large surface area due to its numerous villi and microvilli, providing an efficient site for nutrient absorption. Folate is a water-soluble vitamin, and its absorption occurs via active transport mechanisms in the jejunum.

While the ileum is responsible for the absorption of certain vitamins and bile salts, and the colon has some capacity for the absorption of water and electrolytes, they are not the primary sites for folate absorption. The stomach plays a limited role in nutrient absorption overall, as it primarily functions in the digestion of food. Therefore, the jejunum’s anatomical and physiological characteristics make it the correct answer for where folate is predominantly absorbed within the gastrointestinal tract.