Ingredient
Folic Acid
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
Synthetic folate used in standard fortification.
The case against
Excessive 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 42Excessive 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 StableExcessive intake can mask vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms.
from the analysis of Essential Baking San Francisco Style Sourdough, Artisan BreadThe case for
Prevents neural tube defects and supports cell division and DNA synthesis.
from the analysis of Mahatma EXTRA LONG GRAIN ENRICHED RICE · echoed in 1 other analysisSupports 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 StableCrucial for DNA synthesis and cell division, particularly important during pregnancy.
from the analysis of Rummo Shells Pasta No 42More from Scout's analyses
Folic acid is added to support cell growth and development, especially important during pregnancy.
from the analysis of Avonmore Super MilkStandard formulation ingredient — neither beneficial nor harmful at typical use.
from the analysis of Good & Gather Unbleached All Purpose FlourPart of Vitamins. These vitamins are added to enhance the nutritional profile of the pasta. They are essential for various bodily functions, including energy metabolism and red blood cell formation. The fortification process ensures that the pasta contributes to daily vitamin intake.
from the analysis of De Cecco Whole Wheat Spaghetti No. 12Found in 24 products
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