Folic Acid - or Pteroyl(mono)glutamic acid or vitamin M or vitamin B9 or Folacin – is named after the Latin folium (leaf). Folic Acid or folate is present in the nucleic acid synthesis (DNA and RNA) and in the metabolism of some amino acid. Necessary for the growth of new cells and the embryo development, it helps reducing the risk of congenital malformations in the baby and it is also important for adults to improve iron assimilation.
Together with vitamins B6 and B12, it represents an active part of homocysteine metabolism. In women who wish to get pregnant, in Italy, the assumption of 400 mcg (0.4 mg) of folic acid per day is strongly recommended to prevent foetal malformations. Natural sources of folic acid are offal, legumes, tomatoes and oranges.
MEAN VALUE FOR MAXIMUM DAILY DOSE |
1 TABLET |
Folic acid |
400 mcg 200% NRV(*) |
*Nutrient reference Values