Folic Acid

• Definition: Folic acid, also known as vitamin B9, is a water-soluble nutrient crucial for various bodily functions.
• Key Roles: Primarily involved in red blood cell production and DNA synthesis.
• Primary Prevention: Prevents neural tube defects (NTDs) like spina bifida in pregnant women.
• Supplementation Use: Addresses nutritional gaps and supports overall health, especially in individuals with dietary restrictions or increased needs.

• Molecular Formula: C19H19N7O6
• IUPAC Name: (2S)-2-[(4-[(2-Amino-5-methyl-4-oxo-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-1H-pteridin-6-yl)methyl]amino)benzoyl]amino]pentanedioic acid
• Key Structural Features:
  • Pteridine ring (pyrimidine and pyrazine rings fused).
  • Para-Aminobenzoic Acid (PABA) moiety.
  • Glutamic acid moiety.
  • Conjugated double bonds.
• Properties:
  • Appearance: Yellow-orange crystalline powder, melting point ~250°C (dec).
  • Solubility: Moderately soluble in water (~1.6 mg/mL at 25°C), soluble in dilute acids and bases.
  • Stability: Stable in neutral and slightly acidic solutions; degrades in alkaline solutions or with exposure to light, heat, or oxygen.
  • pH Dependence: Solubility and stability are pH-dependent, optimal at pH 6-8.
  • Biological Activity: Precursor to tetrahydrofolate (THF).

Natural Sources:

• Leafy greens (spinach, kale, collard greens).
• Legumes (beans, lentils, peas).
• Citrus fruits (oranges, grapefruits, lemons).
• Whole grains (brown rice, quinoa, whole-wheat bread).
• Nuts and seeds (almonds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds).

Extraction/Synthesis Methods:

• Fermentation (using microorganisms like bacteria and yeast).
• Chemical synthesis (from guanidine, malonic acid, and p-aminobenzoic acid).
• Extraction from yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae).

Quality Considerations for Supplements:

• Purity (≥ 95%).
• Stability (protect from light, heat, and moisture).
• Bioavailability (consider 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF) or folinic acid).
• Regulatory compliance (GMPs, third-party testing).
• Accurate label claims.
• Consider formulations with complementary nutrients (e.g., vitamin B12).