Learn Glossary nutrient vitamin

Folic Acid

Level 1Generally benignIn Winter's Dictionary

Folic Acid is a nutrient vitamin — Member of vitamin B complex

What it does

Member of vitamin B complex

Where you'll see it

Liver, kidney, mushrooms, green leaves; enriched breads, flours, cornmeals, pastas, rice

Benefits

Aids in cell formation, especially red blood cells; reduces risk of neural tube birth defects.

Regulatory status

  • Notes: As of Jan 1, 1998, required in enriched breads, flours, cornmeals, pastas, rice

Sources

  • A Consumer's Dictionary of Food Additives (Winter): a move to reduce the risk of neural tube birth defects in newborns