Where does folic acid come from?

Folic acid is an essential B vitamin that is found naturally in certain citrus fruits; dark, leafy green vegetables; and legumes. In recent years, many foods have been fortified with folic acid, including flour, rice and other grains. This vitamin can also be found in most nutritional supplements.

Folic acid is a water-soluble vitamin that is important for many bodily functions, including the synthesis of DNA. It is recommended that women who are pregnant or may become pregnant take a folic acid supplement to help prevent severe birth defects, such as spina bifida. Folic acid supplementation is also recommended for people with nutritional absorption deficiencies.