Folic acid has many uses in different industries, including:
- PharmaceuticalsFolic acid is used to treat disorders of the nervous system, urinary system, and cardiovascular system. It's also used to treat folate deficiency and hyperhomocysteinemia.
- NutraceuticalsFolic acid is used in vitamin supplements, powders, and cosmetics. In cosmetics, it's often used in skin-care products for pregnant women.
- FoodFolic acid is added to many foods, including flour, breakfast cereals, pasta, bakery items, cookies, and crackers. It's also found naturally in leafy vegetables, asparagus, certain fruits, beans, yeast, mushrooms, animal liver and kidney, orange juice, and tomato juice.
- Cancer therapeuticsFolic acid is used as a vector for targeted treatment and diagnosis.
Folic acid is a form of vitamin B9. It's involved in cell development, DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis, and one-carbon transfer reactions.