Folic Acid
FDA-mandated fortification of enriched grain products since 1998 to prevent neural tube birth defects. CDC recommends 400 mcg/day for adults.
What it is
Synthetic form of folate (vitamin B9). Pteroylmonoglutamic acid, a water-soluble B vitamin essential for DNA synthesis and red blood cell formation.
Vitamin fortificant; mandatory addition to enriched cereal grain products in the US since 1998 to reduce neural tube defects.
Why it's flagged
- Very high supplemental doses may mask vitamin B12 deficiency
- Concerns are dose-related at supplement levels, not at food-fortification levels
What regulators actually say
"Enriched flour ... contains in each pound 2.9 milligrams of thiamin, 1.8 milligrams of riboflavin, 24 milligrams of niacin, 0.7 milligrams of folic acid, and 20 milligrams of iron."
"Folic acid is a B vitamin. ... All women and teens who could become pregnant should take a daily vitamin with 400 mcg of folic acid."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Permitted food additive (21 CFR 137.165); mandatory for enriched cereal grains
European Union — EFSA
permitted as nutrient addition
Scan it before you buy it
Get Ube on iOS or Android — point at any barcode, see what's actually in there.
Get the app