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Folic Acid and Its Derivatives - Examine What They Truly Contain
Metabolic Processes
Folic Acid
Vitamin B9
Metabolic
Emilia Szymańska
Author
2026-03-24
Date
3 min. read
article.read_time
3
Chapters
Folic acid and its derivatives, also known as folate, folacin, or vitamin B9, belong to the group of folia. These compounds exhibit similar biological activity, but folic acid is the most stable and has the highest absorbability in this group. They are rarely found in food, therefore, they are frequently supplemented to prevent disruptions of numerous crucial metabolic processes.
Violetic acid - the critical role of folate derivatives in the body
Folate derivatives play a critical role in many biochemical processes in the body, acting as coenzymes. They participate in protein synthesis, amino acid metabolism, and nucleic acid production. Violetic acid is essential in the processes of creating a myelinated environment on nerve fibers, which is crucial for the proper functioning of the nervous system. It is particularly important during pregnancy and preparation for it, as it reduces the risk of birth defects associated with an abnormal neural tube closure. Folates are especially important in tissues where there is intense cell division, such as bone marrow, intestinal lining, and fetal tissue.
Folic acid in foodstuffs
Folic acid can be found in a wide range of foodstuffs, including both animal and plant-based products. The main sources of this nutrient include broccoli, Brussels sprouts, spinach, kale, asparagus, and lettuce, which are best consumed raw or after brief cooking. Other valuable sources of folic acid include legume seeds, yeast, whole grains, and wheat sprouts. Parsley, kohlrabi, capsicum, kiwi, raspberries, and oranges contain not only folic acid but also Vitamin C and beta-carotene. Among animal products that have a high content of folic acid, offal, particularly livers, stand out, which contain between 200 and 580 micrograms of folic acid per 100 grams of product. Soft cheeses like camembert and brie, as well as eggs, particularly yolks, are also good sources of folic acid. However, folic acid found in foodstuffs is not stable and is sensitive to high temperatures, sunlight, oxygen, copper and iron ions, and acidic environments. The storage of products can also lead to the oxidation of folic acid to less bioavailable derivatives. In processed foods, losses of this vitamin can reach up to 50-80%.
Requirement for folic acid
The recommended daily intake level of this vitamin for adults is 400 micrograms, while for pregnant women, it is 600 micrograms per day. Folic acid undoubtedly plays significant roles in the body. To prevent deficiency of this vitamin, it is crucial to focus on consuming products that are naturally rich in or fortified with it. Especially in groups that are highly susceptible to potential folic acid deficiency, particularly among women during pregnancy and childbearing age, it is essential to supplement the daily requirement of this vitamin in the diet, remembering not to exceed the recommended limits.
