Typical dose
400-800 mcg daily
Oral
Oral safety: very low
About this supplement
Vitamin B9, also known as folate, is a water-soluble B vitamin that is essential for numerous bodily functions, including DNA synthesis, repair, and methylation. It plays a critical role in cell division and is particularly important during periods of rapid growth, such as during pregnancy and fetal development. Vitamin B9 exists in various forms, including folic acid, which is the synthetic form used in supplements and fortified foods, and naturally occurring folate found in foods such as leafy greens, legumes, and citrus fruits.
How much to take
- Typical amount
- 400-800 mcg daily
- Suggested range
- 400-1000 mcg
Potential benefits
Benefits linked to this supplement form:
Things to watch for
Possible side effects linked to this form:
Health goals
Needs and goals this form may help with:
Other forms of Vitamin B9
Compare absorption and active amounts with sibling forms:
5-Methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF)
Vitamin B9 (5-Methyltetrahydrofolate)
Vitamin B9 (Calcium Folinate)
Vitamin B9 (calcium methylfolate)
Vitamin B9 (calcium methyltetrahydrofolate)
Vitamin B9 (Folate)
Vitamin B9 (folic acid)
Vitamin B9 (folic acid/folate)
Vitamin B9 (folinic acid)
Vitamin B9 (methylfolate)
Vitamin B9 (methyltetrahydrofolate)
Vitamin B9 (unspecified)
Technical details â–¼
Chemical ID (CAS)
59-30-3
Formula
C19H19N7O6
Physical properties
Vitamin B9 is a yellow to orange crystalline powder that is soluble in water. It is sensitive to heat and light, which can affect its stability.
How it’s made
Vitamin B9 can be synthesized chemically or extracted from natural sources. The synthetic form, folic acid, is produced through chemical reactions involving pteridine and para-aminobenzoic acid.