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Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Folic acid is added to foods as a nutrient to help increase folate intake …
What it is
Folic acid is a synthetic form of the B vitamin folate. Folate is naturally found in many foods. Folic acid is typically made through chemical synthesis.
Why it's used
Folic acid is added to foods as a nutrient to help increase folate intake in the population. It is commonly found in grain products like bread, pasta, and cereals, as well as in baked goods such as cakes, cupcakes, and muffins.
Health notes
Folic acid is approved by the FDA as a nutrient supplement and is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) when used as intended. Adequate folate intake is important for cell growth and DNA formation. The World Health Organization (WHO) has evaluated folic acid and set guidelines for its use. Evidence suggests that adequate folic acid intake before and during early pregnancy can help prevent neural tube defects in infants.
Allergen info
Folic acid is not derived from any of the nine FDA major allergens. It does not contain gluten.
Note:
This site presents label data from USDA FoodData Central for general information. It is not medical advice.
Check the package label; formulations change.