Vitamin B9
What is Vitamin B9?
Vitamin B9 is an essential B vitamin, naturally found as folate in foods like leafy greens, fruits, and legumes. The synthetic form, folic acid, is often used in fortified foods and supplements. It plays a crucial role in cell growth and DNA formation.
Is Vitamin B9 vegan?
Vitamin B9 is not animal-derived. Products that contain it can still include other animal-derived ingredients, so check the full ingredient list.
Is Vitamin B9 a major allergen?
Not a major allergen.
What is Vitamin B9 used for?
Manufacturers add Vitamin B9, primarily as folic acid, to foods as a nutrient to enrich or fortify them.
Is Vitamin B9 safe?
Folic acid is an approved food additive by the FDA for fortification purposes.
Why it's used
Manufacturers add Vitamin B9, primarily as folic acid, to foods as a nutrient to enrich or fortify them. It is commonly added to grain products like breads, cereals, and pasta to help prevent nutrient deficiencies.
Health notes
Folic acid is an approved food additive by the FDA for fortification purposes. It is essential for human health, particularly for red blood cell formation and preventing neural tube defects during pregnancy. JECFA has evaluated folic acid and set an acceptable daily intake. EFSA has also evaluated its safety. While beneficial, very high intakes of folic acid can potentially mask a vitamin B12 deficiency.
Allergen info
Not a major allergen.
Foods that contain Vitamin B9
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