Folic acid
What is Folic acid?
Folic acid is a synthetic form of folate, a B vitamin naturally found in leafy green vegetables, fruits, and legumes. It is manufactured industrially for use as a food additive and supplement. Folate is essential for DNA synthesis, cell division, and the formation of red blood cells.
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 gluten-free?
It is not related to gluten.
Is Folic acid a major allergen?
Folic acid is not derived from any of the 14 major allergens that UK law requires to be emphasised on food labels.
What is Folic acid used for?
Folic acid is added to foods, particularly breakfast cereals and flour-based products, to increase their folate content.
Is Folic acid safe?
Folic acid is authorised as a food additive in the UK and is listed on the Register of Food Additive Authorisations.
Why it's used
Folic acid is added to foods, particularly breakfast cereals and flour-based products, to increase their folate content. This fortification is a public health measure aimed at preventing neural tube defects in unborn babies. It functions as a nutrient, enhancing the nutritional profile of the food.
Health notes
Folic acid is authorised as a food additive in the UK and is listed on the Register of Food Additive Authorisations. It is crucial for preventing neural tube defects, such as spina bifida, in infants when consumed by pregnant women before and during early pregnancy. The NHS recommends that women planning pregnancy or who are pregnant take a folic acid supplement.
Allergen info
Folic acid is not derived from any of the 14 major allergens that UK law requires to be emphasised on food labels. It is not related to gluten.
Foods that contain Folic acid
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