Ingredient · Updated
Folic Acid
Found in 30 productsSee all
Vitamyr Vita-Myr Natural Mouthwash 
Supreme Long Grain Rice 
Millville Frosted Shredded Bite Size Wheat Original 
Member's Mark Long Grain Water Polished Enriched Rice 
De Cecco Whole Wheat Spaghetti No. 12 
Mahatma EXTRA LONG GRAIN ENRICHED RICE 
Rummo Italian Pasta Fusilli No.48 Dairy Free Contains Wheat Shelf Stable 
Rummo Shells Pasta No 42 What is Folic Acid?
Folic Acid is a synthetic form of folate, a water-soluble B vitamin. It is often used in dietary supplements and food fortification due to its stability compared to natural folate found in foods.
It is commonly used to prevent folate deficiency and is especially important for pregnant women to reduce the risk of neural tube defects in developing fetuses. The health evidence generally supports its safety and efficacy when used appropriately, although some studies have raised concerns about high doses possibly masking vitamin B12 deficiency.
When you see folic acid on a label, it indicates that the product may be enriched or fortified, which is a common practice in many countries to improve public health nutrition.
Commonly found in: Cereal, Baby Formula, Baby Food, Supplements, Fortified Grains
What to watch
- High doses have been reported to potentially mask vitamin B12 deficiency.
Benefits
- Essential for DNA synthesis and repair.
- Important for prenatal health, reducing the risk of neural tube defects.
Folic acid is FDA-approved for use in food fortification and supplements, considered safe as a food additive.
While generally safe and beneficial, some research suggests potential risks at high intake levels such as masking B12 deficiency.
Folic acid is synthetically derived and suitable for vegan diets.
Sources: Folate and Folic Acid
Scout's take
Standard formulation ingredient — neither beneficial nor harmful at typical use.
The case against
Excessive intake can mask vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms.
from the analysis of Essential Baking San Francisco Style Sourdough, Artisan Bread · echoed in 6 other analysesExcessive intake can mask vitamin B12 deficiency, but this is uncommon with dietary sources.
from the analysis of Rummo Italian Pasta Fusilli No.48 Dairy Free Contains Wheat Shelf Stable · echoed in 3 other analysesExcessive intake can mask vitamin B12 deficiency, but this is unlikely from enriched rice alone.
from the analysis of Mahatma EXTRA LONG GRAIN ENRICHED RICEExcessive intake can mask vitamin B12 deficiency, but this is rare at typical dietary levels.
from the analysis of Rummo Shells Pasta No 42The case for
Supports DNA synthesis and cell division, and helps prevent neural tube defects.
from the analysis of Kellogg's Corn Flakes · echoed in 2 other analysesSupports DNA synthesis and repair, and is crucial for fetal development during pregnancy.
from the analysis of Rummo Italian Pasta Fusilli No.48 Dairy Free Contains Wheat Shelf Stable · echoed in 1 other analysisEssential for DNA synthesis and cell division, particularly important during pregnancy.
from the analysis of Kellogg's Froot Loops · echoed in 1 other analysisSupports cell division and is crucial during pregnancy for fetal development.
from the analysis of Kellogg's Frosted Flakes · echoed in 1 other analysisEssential for DNA synthesis and preventing neural tube defects.
from the analysis of Quaker Oatmeal Squares Honey Nut · echoed in 1 other analysisMore from Scout's analyses
Synthetic folate used in standard fortification.
from the analysis of Vitamyr Vita-Myr Natural MouthwashFolic acid is a synthetic form of folate used to fortify foods and prevent neural tube defects. It is essential for DNA synthesis and cell division. Fortification helps prevent deficiencies in the population.
from the analysis of Kellogg's Frosted FlakesFolic acid is a synthetic form of vitamin B9 used in food fortification. It is essential for DNA synthesis and cell division. It is commonly added to cereals and grains to prevent neural tube defects.
from the analysis of Quaker Oatmeal Squares Honey NutAll 30 products with Folic Acid
+ 6 more products in the Scout app
Where Folic Acid shows up
- Cereal 8 products
- Rice & Pasta 7 products
- Baby Food 3 products
- Hydration 2 products
- Bagels & Muffins 2 products
- Mouthwash 1 product
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