Broccoli
What is folic acid?
Folic acid, also known as vitamin B9 or folate, is an essential vitamin that plays a key role in supporting your all-round health
- Energy - it helps to reduce tiredness and fatigue
- Immunity - it helps to support your immune system
- Brain Function - it contributes to normal psychological function
- Blood - it contributes to the formation of red blood cells
Folic acid is usually found in vegetables like broccoli and you should be able to get all the folate you need from a healthy and balanced diet.
In this article, we'll answer a few common questions about folic acid, including:- Is there a difference between folic acid, folate, and vitamin B9?
- What are sources of folic acid?
- What is the recommended daily dose for folic acid?
Is there a difference between folic acid, folate, and vitamin B9?
Folic acid, folate and vitamin B9 refer to the same vitamin, but folic acid is a synthetic version of this vitamin. So, in essence, there is a slight difference between folic acid and folate (vitamin B9) but only in that one is synthetic and the other is not.
What are sources of folic acid?
Since folic acid is the synthetic version of folate, you will usually find it in a range of dietary supplements, including all Berocca products, as well as some fortified foods (foods that have added vitamins) like some oat milk.
Folate (the naturally occurring form of the vitamin) can be found in vegetables like broccoli and peas. Members of the legume food family, such as kidney beans and chickpeas, are another great natural source of folic acid along with leafy greens like spinach.
Kidney beans
Spinach
What is the recommended daily dose for folic acid?
200 microgams (μg) is the amount of folate (the natural form of folic acid) an adult needs per day, which is 100% NRV. NRV stands for the Nutrient Reference Value, this is the daily amount of a vitamin or mineral that the average person should aim to include in their diet.
Women taking folic acid in pre-conception or pregnancy are recommended a 400 microgams (μg) daily, however, whilst Berocca contains folic acid, it is not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women due to their complex nutritional needs for which Berocca has not been specifically formulated. If you are pregnant or trying for a baby, we recommend you talk to your GP, midwife or pharmacist before taking any food supplements.
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