Folic Acid
What is Folic Acid?
Folic acid is the synthetic (man-made) form of folate, which is a B vitamin also known as vitamin B9. It is produced through chemical synthesis.
Is Folic Acid vegan?
Folic Acid is not animal-derived. Products that contain it can still include other animal-derived ingredients, so check the full ingredient list.
Is Folic Acid a major allergen?
Not a major allergen.
What is Folic Acid used for?
Manufacturers add folic acid to fortify foods, especially enriched grain products like flour, bread, pasta, and breakfast cereals.
Is Folic Acid safe?
Folic acid is an FDA-approved nutrient that is essential for cell growth and development.
Why it's used
Manufacturers add folic acid to fortify foods, especially enriched grain products like flour, bread, pasta, and breakfast cereals. This fortification helps prevent neural tube defects in babies.
Health notes
Folic acid is an FDA-approved nutrient that is essential for cell growth and development. The FDA mandates its addition to enriched grain products to reduce the risk of neural tube defects. JECFA has evaluated folic acid and set an acceptable daily intake. EFSA has also evaluated it. While fortification has significantly improved public health, some research explores potential effects of very high intakes, including concerns about masking vitamin B12 deficiency, though evidence on this is mixed and ongoing.
Allergen info
Not a major allergen.
Foods that contain Folic Acid
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Kellogg Company US
Kellogg Pop-Tarts Chocolate Peanut Butter 21.1Oz
—kcal
4.8Protein
10Fat
72.3Carbs
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