Vitamin B9 is a water-soluble B vitamin. It can be obtained from many foods and supplements. The form taken from supplement products is more easily absorbed.It supports the formation of DNA and RNA, plays a role in protein metabolism, destruction of homocysteine, healthy red blood cell production, and healthy growth.

Vitamin B9 is a water-soluble B vitamin. It can be obtained from many foods and supplements. The form taken from supplement products is more easily absorbed.

It supports the formation of DNA and RNA, plays a role in protein metabolism, destruction of homocysteine, healthy red blood cell production, and healthy growth.

It can be obtained mostly from animal foods or supplements. It has duties related to red blood cells and DNA production. It supports brain and nerve cells to perform their functions.



It is transported in the body by combining with a protein called intrinsic factor. Therefore, in diseases such as pernicious anemia, B12 deficiency develops because there is no association with the intrinsic factor.

 Where to buy folic acid?

  • Liver,
  • Sea products,
  • Dark green leafy vegetables (Turnip, spinach, lettuce, cabbage, kale, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, asparagus, parsley, mint, coriander etc.),
  • Bean,
  • Peanuts, walnuts, hazelnuts,
  • Sunflower seeds,
  • Strawberry, banana, papaya, avocado
  • Citrus,
  • Fresh fruits, juices,
  • Whole grains,
  • Enriched bread, cereal,
  • Egg,
  • Supplements

What are the functions of folic acid?

  • DNA and RNA synthesis,
  • Erythrocyte production,
  • Amino acid metabolism,
  • Nervous system development,

What is the need for folic acid?

  • 0 – 1 year old child: 80 mcg /day
  • 1-3 years old child: 150 mcg/day
  • Children 4-8 years: 200 mcg/day
  • 9-13 years old child: 300 mcg/day
  • Boy 14 years and older: 400 mcg/day
  • Girl 14 years and older: 400 mcg/day
  • Pregnancy period: 600 mcg/day
  • Lactation period: 500 mcg/day

What happens in folic acid deficiency?

Folic acid deficiency can develop in the following situations:

  • Not enought feeding,
  • Alcoholism
  • Absorption disorders (Celiac, Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn’s Diseases etc.),
  • Congenital B12 malabsorption (Imerslund-Gräsbeck Disease),
  • Pregnancy,
  • Anticonvulsant drugs,
  • Genetic diseases.

The following diseases and symptoms can be seen in folic acid deficiency:

  • Megaloblastic anemia (fatigue, weakness, excessive sleepiness, pale skin, breathing problems, irritability),
  • Spina bifida syndrome (neural tube defects may develop in babies due to folate deficiency during pregnancy),
  • Tiredness,
  • Mouth sores,
  • Gastrointestinal problems,
  • Growth problems,
  • Concentration difficulty.



Tags: