Folic Acid Egg Whites

Folic acid is a synthetic form of the B vitamin folate. It is added to foods to increase their nutritional value, particularly to prevent neural tube defects in developing babies. The folic acid is typically added during the food manufacturing process.

Folic acid is added to foods as a nutrient to help fortify them, ensuring consumers get adequate amounts of this essential vitamin. It is commonly found in baked goods like cakes and cupcakes, as well as in some canned soups.

Folic acid is recognized as safe and effective by the FDA when used as a nutrient. The FDA requires folic acid to be added to certain grain products to help reduce the risk of neural tube defects. JECFA has evaluated folic acid and established an acceptable daily intake. While essential, very high intakes of folic acid from supplements can mask a vitamin B12 deficiency, though this is rarely an issue from fortified foods alone.