Folic Acid B9

Folic acid is a synthetic form of the B vitamin folate (B9). Folate occurs naturally in many foods. Folic acid is typically manufactured through chemical synthesis.

Manufacturers add folic acid to foods to increase their folate content, as folate is essential for cell growth and development. It is commonly added to grain products like bread, pasta, and cereals, as well as to some baked goods.

Folic acid is widely used as a food additive in the U.S. and is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as intended. It plays a crucial role in DNA synthesis and repair, and adequate folate intake is vital for preventing neural tube defects in developing fetuses. The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have evaluated folic acid. Evidence suggests that high folic acid intake from supplements or fortified foods may mask a vitamin B12 deficiency in some individuals, but this is generally not a concern at typical dietary intake levels.