What is Folic acid?

In short

Folic acid is the synthetic form of the water-soluble vitamin folate. It is used in food supplements and fortified foods.

What does the body need it for?

Folate contributes to normal blood formation and to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. Folate contributes to maternal tissue growth during pregnancy.

How much is good?

NRV (EU reference value)

200 µg

Too much

Safe upper limit (EFSA)

1,000 µg

Maximum per daily dose (BfR)

200 µg

Too much folic acid can mask a vitamin B12 deficiency while nerve damage progresses. The EFSA upper limit for adults is 1000 µg daily for added folate forms from food supplements and fortified foods combined.

Other names

Vitamin B9, Pteroylmonoglutaminsäure, Pteroylglutaminsäure, Folic acid, Ácido fólico

Source

EU Regulation 432/2012; EFSA 2023