Folic Acid

Figure 1. The chemical structure of Folic Acid.

Folic Acid is used as a dietary supplement and in food fortification. Folic Acid is converted into Folate (or Vitamin B9) inside the human body. Folate is required to make DNA, RNA, and metabolise amino acids necessary for cell division. As human bodies cannot produce Folate by itself, Folate must be acquired via one's diet or through supplementation, making it an essential nutrient. Folic Acid is used in dietary supplements over Folate as Folic Acid is more stable during processing and storage. Folic Acid is commonly used as a supplement by women during pregnancy to reduce the risk of neural tube defects in the baby.

For nutritional values, refer to the Codex entry for Vitamin B9.