Folic Acid

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Folic Acid, also known as Vitamin B9 or pteroylmonoglutamic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin essential for numerous physiological processes including DNA synthesis, repair, and methylation, as well as amino acid metabolism. It appears as a yellow to orange-yellow crystalline powder, odorless or with a faint characteristic odor. Folic Acid is vital for cell division and growth, making it critical during pregnancy and periods of rapid growth. It is widely used in the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, food fortification, and cosmetic industries due to its role in preventing folate deficiency anemia, neural tube defects in newborns, and supporting overall cellular health.

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Categories: Nutraceutical Ingredients (food), Nutraceutical Ingredients (pharmaceutical) Tags: Dietary Supplement, Folic Acid, Nutritional supplement, Pharmaceutical ingredient, Vitamin B9

Description

Table of Contents

Folic Acid

Primary Uses

Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Industry

Used as a key ingredient in vitamin supplements and multivitamin formulations to prevent and treat folate deficiency anemia.
Essential in prenatal vitamins to reduce the risk of neural tube defects (spina bifida, anencephaly) in developing fetuses.
Employed in formulations for cardiovascular health support due to its role in homocysteine metabolism, lowering cardiovascular disease risk.
Incorporated in supplements targeting cognitive function and neuroprotection.
Used in therapeutic regimens for patients with malabsorption syndromes, certain anemias, and during chemotherapy to mitigate side effects.

Food Industry

Widely used as a fortifying agent in staple foods such as cereals, bread, flour, rice, and pasta to combat folate deficiency in populations.
Added to infant formulas and medical nutrition products to ensure adequate vitamin intake.
Employed in beverage fortification and functional foods designed to enhance nutrient intake.

Cosmetics and Personal Care

Incorporated into skincare formulations for its antioxidant properties and role in DNA repair, promoting skin regeneration and anti-aging effects.
Used in hair care products to support hair growth and reduce hair loss linked to nutrient deficiencies.

Agriculture and Animal Feed

Added to animal feed supplements to promote growth, reproductive health, and prevent deficiencies in livestock and poultry.

Secondary Uses

Biomedical Research

Used as a biochemical tool in studying methylation processes and genetic expression.
Investigated for its potential role in cancer prevention and as an adjunct in chemotherapy protocols.

Environmental Applications

Occasionally utilized in microbial growth media to promote folate-dependent metabolic pathways in fermentation and biotechnology.

PRODUCT KEY FEATURES

Basic Identification Attributes

Chemical Name (IUPAC): pteroylmonoglutamic acid
Common/Trade Name: Folic Acid, Vitamin B9
CAS Number: 59-30-3
HS Code: 2936.29
Molecular Formula: C19H19N7O6
Synonyms: Vitamin M, Pteroylglutamic acid, Folacin, Pteroyl-L-glutamic acid

Physical & Chemical Properties

Physical State: Crystalline powder
Color & Odor: Yellow to orange-yellow; odorless or faint odor
Melting Point: 250 °C (decomposes)
Solubility: Poorly soluble in water (~1.6 mg/mL at 20°C); soluble in dilute alkaline solutions and DMSO
pH: Slightly acidic
Stability: Stable in dry form; sensitive to light, heat, and alkaline conditions leading to degradation

Safety & Hazard Attributes

Hazard Class (GHS): Not classified as hazardous; generally safe at recommended doses
Toxicity: Low toxicity; excessive intake may cause rare adverse effects
Exposure Limits: No established occupational limits; use standard precautions

Storage & Handling Attributes

Storage Conditions: Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry, dark place to prevent degradation
Container Type: Amber glass or opaque plastic containers to protect from light
Shelf Life: 24 months under recommended conditions
Handling Precautions: Avoid dust inhalation; minimize exposure to light and heat

Regulatory & Compliance Attributes

Approved by FDA, EFSA, WHO, and other regulatory agencies for use in foods, supplements, and pharmaceuticals
Included in various pharmacopeias (USP, EP, JP) with strict quality standards
Maximum allowable levels regulated by country and application

Environmental & Health Impact

Biodegradability: Readily biodegradable in the environment
Ecotoxicity: Low environmental toxicity
Bioaccumulation: Not expected to bioaccumulate
Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity: Not classified; no evidence of carcinogenic or mutagenic effects

SAFETY HANDLING ATTRIBUTES

Safety Handling Precautions

PPE Required: Gloves, dust mask, and safety goggles when handling powder
Handling Guidelines: Use in well-ventilated areas; avoid inhalation and skin contact
Storage Measures: Keep containers tightly sealed, avoid moisture and light exposure
Hygiene Practices: Wash hands after handling; avoid ingestion or inhalation of dust

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move to fresh air; seek medical attention if irritation occurs
Skin Contact: Wash skin with soap and water; seek medical attention if irritation develops
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes thoroughly with water for 15 minutes; consult physician if irritation persists
Ingestion: Rinse mouth; generally safe but seek medical advice if large amounts ingested

Firefighting Measures

Fire Hazards: Combustible solid; emits toxic fumes such as nitrogen oxides and carbon oxides on burning
Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide (CO₂)
Special Precautions: Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus and protective clothing
Decomposition Products: Nitrogen oxides, carbon oxides, and other toxic gases