Folic Acid (also known as folate or vitamin B9) is a vitamin that is known for its importance during conception & pregnancy, particularly for reducing the risk of neural tube defects. It is also important for the growth and development of cells.
Roughly 9% of women do not meet the dietary requirements for folate compared to 2% of their male counterparts1.
Folate is found in leafy green vegetables, fruits & grains. In Australia, wheat flour used for bread-making is fortified with folic acid and has been since 2009 as mandated by the government.
The Recommended Dietary Intakes (as dietary folate equivalents) for folate are the same for men andwomen, with the only difference being an increased requirement during pregnancy, per the below table2.
There are various forms of folic acid used in products throughout Australia. 5-MTHF is the metabolicallyactive form of vitamin B9 (folate) and may be a superior form for supplementation.
