Health functions
The function of vitamin B9 (folate) in the body appears to be its role in the metabolism of nucleic acids and amino acids. Read More
The terms vitamin B9, folic acid and folate are often used interchangeably. While folates are found in foods as well as in metabolically active forms in the human body (1), folic acid, the more stable form, occurs rarely in nature but is the form most often used in vitamin supplements and fortified foods.
Authored by Dr Peter Engel in 2010, reviewed and revised by Angelika Friedel on 29.06.2017
The function of vitamin B9 (folate) in the body appears to be its role in the metabolism of nucleic acids and amino acids. Read More
Neural tube defects (NTD) cause crippling birth defects, which are sometimes fatal. They come about between the 21st and 27th days of the embryo’s development when a lot of women do not even know they are pregnant (5). Read More
Things to know about Vitamin B9
Some studies show that 15–38% of people with depression have low vitamin B9 (folate) levels in their bodies, and those with very low levels tend to be the most depressed. Read More
The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of vitamin B9 (folic acid, folate) is dependent on age, gender, and other factors. Read More
In most European countries, the average vitamin B9 (folate) intake does not meet national recommendations. Read More
Early stage symptoms of vitamin B9 (folate) deficiency may not show obvious symptoms but it can lead to folic acid deficiency anemia. Read More
