Folic Acid

Complete Ingredient Profile
Ingredient Name & Common Synonyms
Primary Name: Folic Acid (Folate)
Common Synonyms: Vitamin B9, Folacin, Pteroylglutamic acid, Folate
Chemical Classification: Water-soluble B vitamin, Pteridine derivative
Molecular Formula: C₁₉H₁₉N₇O₆
Overview
Botanical Family: Naturally occurring in Fabaceae (legumes), Brassicaceae (leafy greens), Poaceae (fortified grains)
Primary Origin: Spinach, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, lentils, fortified cereals, avocado
Extraction Method: Industrial synthesis or extraction from natural folate sources, followed by purification
Molecular Structure: Pteridine ring linked to para-aminobenzoic acid and glutamic acid
Appearance: Yellow to orange crystalline powder, odorless with a slightly bitter taste
Benefits & Uses
For Women's Hormonal Health:
- Reproductive Support: Folic acid is crucial for healthy ovulation, egg quality, and supporting fertility in women trying to conceive
- Pregnancy Preparation: Essential for preventing neural tube defects and supporting healthy fetal development from conception
- Hormonal Methylation: Supports methylation pathways that regulate estrogen metabolism and hormonal detoxification
Primary Health Benefits:
- DNA Synthesis: Essential for DNA replication, repair, and cell division, critical during periods of rapid cellular growth
- Red Blood Cell Formation: Required for proper red blood cell maturation and prevention of megaloblastic anemia
- Neural Tube Development: Critical for proper fetal neural tube development during pregnancy and reproductive health
- Homocysteine Regulation: Works with B6 and B12 to convert homocysteine to methionine for cardiovascular support
Mechanism of Action:
- One-Carbon Metabolism: Essential cofactor in one-carbon transfer reactions for DNA and RNA synthesis
- Gene Expression: Influences gene methylation patterns and expression, affecting cellular function
- Neurotransmitter Synthesis: Required for the synthesis of serotonin and dopamine precursors
- Cellular Division: Critical for proper cell division and tissue regeneration processes
Safety & Warnings
General Safety Profile:
Folic acid is generally safe and well-tolerated. Our 200µg dose provides optimal support while remaining well below upper safety limits.
Dosage Safety:
- Standard Dosage: 400µg daily recommended for adults, 600µg during pregnancy
- Orbelli Dosage: 200µg per serving provides 50% of the daily recommended intake
- Maximum Safe Dose: Up to 1000µg daily is considered the upper limit for synthetic folic acid
Potential Side Effects:
- Minimal Effects: Generally well-tolerated with few side effects at recommended doses
- High Dose Effects: Excessive intake may mask B12 deficiency symptoms
- Digestive Effects: Rare mild nausea or stomach upset in sensitive individuals
- Throat Irritation: May cause mild throat irritation in some individuals - this is normal and typically resolves quickly
Important Warnings:
B12 Deficiency: High folic acid intake may mask B12 deficiency
Pregnancy: Essential during pregnancy planning and the first trimester
Cancer History: Consult a healthcare provider if history of certain cancers
Medication Interactions: May interact with methotrexate and anticonvulsants
Recommended Patch-Test Instructions:
Not applicable for oral supplements. For topical applications containing folate, perform a 48-hour patch test on the inner forearm.
Formulation Tips
Physical Properties:
- pH Range: 4.0-4.5 (slightly acidic in aqueous solution)
- Solubility: Slightly soluble in water, freely soluble in alkaline solutions
- Stability: Light-sensitive, stable in acidic conditions, degrades in alkaline pH
- Melting Point: 250°C (decomposes)
Optimal Dosing:
- Therapeutic Range: 200-800µg daily for general health support
- Orbelli Formula: 200µg per serving (foundational support dose)
- Bioavailability: High oral bioavailability, better absorbed than natural folates
- Timing: Best taken with food for optimal absorption
Pairing Suggestions:
- Synergistic with: Vitamin B12, vitamin B6, vitamin C
- Compatible with: Other B vitamins, minerals, amino acids
- Enhanced by: Methylcobalamin (B12) for optimal methylation support
- Best taken: With meals to enhance absorption and minimize gastric irritation
Scientific References
- Folate - Health Professional Fact Sheet - NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, 2024
- Folic Acid and Neural Tube Defects - CDC Guidelines, 2023
- Vitamin E-Selenium-Folic Acid Supplementation in Sperm Parameters - PubMed, 2019
- Folate in One-Carbon Metabolism and Gene Expression - Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University
Related Orbelli Products
- Women's Hormonal Balance - Features 200µg Folic Acid for cellular health and methylation support
- Synergistically combined with B-complex vitamins and reproductive health nutrients
- Additional product links to be added
Last updated: August 2025 | This information is for educational purposes only and not intended as medical advice.









