Folic acid is well known in connection with pregnancy planning and pregnancy. However, this vitamin performs important functions at every stage of life and is a versatile ingredient for modern food supplements.
What is Folic Acid?
Folic acid is a water-soluble vitamin belonging to the B-vitamin group and is also known as vitamin B9. Vitamin B9 occurs naturally in foods in the form of folate, while manufactured folic acid is used in food supplements and fortified foods, among other products.
The folic acid used in food supplements is more stable than naturally occurring forms of the vitamin and can be readily absorbed by the body. Once absorbed, it is converted into biologically active compounds.
Good natural sources of folate include green leafy vegetables, pulses, nuts, wholegrain products, potatoes and eggs. As the vitamin is sensitive to light and heat, prolonged storage and high cooking temperatures can reduce the folate content of food.
What Makes Folic Acid Interesting?
Folate contributes to normal blood formation, the normal function of the immune system and normal homocysteine metabolism. It also has a role in the process of cell division and contributes to normal psychological function and the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
An adequate intake is particularly important during pregnancy, as folate contributes to maternal tissue growth. A study involving women with an increased risk of recurrence found that taking folic acid resulted in significantly fewer neural tube defects. Women who are planning a pregnancy or could become pregnant are therefore advised to take 400 µg of folic acid per day in addition to maintaining a balanced diet. Supplementation should begin at least four weeks before conception and continue until the end of the first trimester.
Homocysteine metabolism is also the subject of scientific research. One study found that even low-dose folic acid supplementation reduced homocysteine concentrations in the blood.
A Versatile Ingredient
Depending on the desired formulation, folic acid can be used in tablets, capsules, powder blends or liquid products. It is suitable for both single-ingredient products and combination formulations, for example with other B vitamins, minerals or selected micronutrients.
Folic acid therefore offers a wide range of opportunities for product concepts aimed at different target groups and stages of life. The dosage should always be tailored to the individual product, the form of folic acid used and the intended purpose.
A consistently high intake of folic acid may have undesirable effects and can, among other things, mask an existing vitamin B12 deficiency. The recommended daily intake should therefore not be exceeded.
Sources
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Ernährung e. V. (2025): FAQ Folat. (abgerufen am 17. September 2026).
MRC Vitamin Study Research Group (1991): Prevention of neural tube defects: results of the Medical Research Council Vitamin Study. The Lancet, 338(8760), 131–137.
Brouwer et al. (1999): Low-dose folic acid supplementation decreases plasma homocysteine concentrations: a randomized trial. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 69(1), 99–104.