Folic acid

Folic acid is a B vitamin that plays a crucial role in our bodies, helping with cell division and growth. It is a synthetic form of folate, a natural vitamin found in various foods like leafy greens, beans, and citrus fruits. In simple terms, folic acid is like the superhero version of folate, as it is easier for our bodies to absorb.

To make folic acid, scientists create it in a lab by altering the structure of folate, making it more stable and bioavailable. This process ensures that the folic acid added to foods and supplements is easily absorbed by our bodies when we consume them. This lab-made version is especially important for pregnant women, as not getting enough folic acid can lead to birth defects in babies.

You'll often spot folic acid on food labels, especially on products like breakfast cereals, bread, and pasta. It's added to these foods to help prevent deficiencies in our diets. Including folic acid in these staples ensures that even if we don't get enough from natural sources, we can still meet our daily requirements to support our overall health. So, next time you're shopping, keep an eye out for folic acid on the ingredients list of fortified foods!

Foods in the CalorieStar database containing Folic acid

Kellogg's All-Bran Cereal
Kellogg's All-Bran Fibre Crunch
Sainsbury's Balance Cereal
Sainsbury's Balance With Red Fruit Cereal
Kellogg's Bran Flakes
Asda Bran Flakes Cereal
Kellogg's Bran Flakes Cereal
Nestle Cheerios Cereal
Sainsbury's Choco Hazelnut Squares Cereal
Asda Choco Snaps

Asda Chocolate & Fudge Cereal Bars
Asda Chocolate & Orange Cereal Bars
Weetabix Chocolate Cereal
Weetos Chocolate Hoops Cereal
Weetabix Chocolate Melts Milk Chocolate
Weetabix Chocolate Melts White Chocolate
Asda Chocolate Wheat Bisks
Kellogg's Coco Pops Cereal
Kellogg's Coco Pops Cereal & Milk Bars
Kellogg's Coco Pops Rocks Cereal
Hershey's Cookie & Creme Chocolate Bar
Kellogg's Corn Flakes
Kellogg's Corn Flakes Cereal
Sainsbury's Cornflakes Cereal
Excelsior Crackers