Kemiex is an all-in-one market information, purchasing and sales platform for animal and human nutrition raw materials. In the following series of articles, we will explain the functions and uses of products that can be found in the Kemiex marketplace. On this occasion, we are going to explain the benefits of Vitamin B9 or Folic Acid:

What is Vitamin B9 used for?

Folic acid, also known as Vitamin B9, is a water-soluble vitamin that is essential for a number of physiological processes in the body. It is involved in the synthesis and repair of DNA, the production of red blood cells, and the proper functioning of the nervous system.

Folic acid is required for cell growth and division, making it particularly important for pregnant women to get enough of this vitamin in their diets. During pregnancy, the body’s need for Folic Acid increases to support the growth and development of the fetus. Adequate intake of Folic Acid can help prevent certain birth defects, such as neural tube defects, which affect the development of the brain and spinal cord.

What are the main benefits of Vitamin B9?

Folic acid, also known as Vitamin B9, has several important health benefits for both humans and animals. Some of the key benefits of Folic Acid include:

1. Helps Brain and Nerve Development:

Folic acid is essential for the development of the brain and nervous system in fetal and newborn animals, and it can also help with cognitive function in adults.

2. Supports Heart Health:

Folic acid has been shown to help regulate homocysteine levels, which can lead to improved heart health.

3. Helps Red Blood Cell Formation:

Folic acid is involved in the formation of red blood cells, and a lack of this vitamin can lead to anemia.

4. Supports DNA Synthesis:

Folic acid is important for the synthesis of DNA, the genetic material that controls all of the functions in the body.

5. Supports Healthy Pregnancy:

Folic acid is particularly important for women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant, as it can help prevent birth defects in the brain and spine.

Overall, Folic Acid plays a crucial role in many important processes in the body, making it an essential nutrient for both humans and animals.

Which foods are the main sources of Vitamin B9?

Folic acid is found in a variety of foods, including leafy green vegetables, beans and legumes, citrus fruits, and fortified grains. Some of the best food sources of Vitamin B9 include:

1. Leafy greens: spinach, kale, collard greens, and turnip greens are all excellent sources of Folic Acid.

2. Legumes: beans, lentils, and chickpeas are high in Folic Acid and make a great addition to salads, soups, and stews.

3. Citrus fruits: oranges, grapefruits, and lemons are good sources of Folic Acid.

4. Fortified breakfast cereals: many breakfast cereals are fortified with Folic Acid, making it easy to get your daily dose.

5. Nuts and seeds: almonds, sunflower seeds, and sesame seeds are all good sources of Folic Acid.

6. Meat: liver and kidney are excellent sources of Folic Acid, although it is important to consume these in moderation due to their high levels of cholesterol and other nutrients.

7. Whole grains: brown rice, quinoa, and whole-grain bread are all good sources of Folic Acid.

8. Asparagus: this vegetable is a good source of Folic Acid, and can be enjoyed roasted, grilled, or steamed.

9. Avocado: this fruit is high in Folic Acid and can be added to smoothies, salads, and sandwiches.

10. Beets: these root vegetables are a good source of Folic Acid, and can be roasted, steamed, or eaten raw in salads.

Folic acid can also be taken as a dietary supplement, and is often added to fortified foods such as bread, cereal, and pasta to increase the overall intake of this nutrient. Additionally, Folic Acid is commonly added to prenatal vitamins to support the health of pregnant women and their developing fetuses.

Below, you will find the 10 foods with the highest concentration of Folic Acid in descending order:

Foods with the highest concentration of Folic Acid

Lentils: 1 cup (198 grams) contains approximately 358 mg of Folic Acid.

Spinach: 1 cup (30 grams) contains approximately 58 mg of Folic Acid.

Asparagus: 4 spears (60 grams) contain approximately 51 mg of Folic Acid.

Broccoli: 1 cup (91 grams) contains approximately 51 mg of Folic Acid.

Beef liver: 3 ounces (85 grams) contain approximately 42 mg of Folic Acid.

Black beans: 1 cup (172 grams) contain approximately 128 mg of Folic Acid.

Brussels sprouts: 1 cup (88 grams) contain approximately 48 mg of Folic Acid.

Chickpeas: 1 cup (198 grams) contain approximately 74 mg of Folic Acid.

Peanuts: 1 cup (146 grams) contain approximately 67 mg of Folic Acid.

Avocado: 1 medium (150 grams) contains approximately 45 mg of Folic Acid.

It’s important to note that the exact amount of Folic Acid in these foods can vary depending on factors such as the soil conditions, growing conditions, and preparation methods, so the amounts provided here are rough estimates.

Recommended daily intake (RDI) of Vitamin B9

The recommended daily intake (RDI) of Vitamin B9, also known as Folic Acid, varies based on age and gender. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the following are the RDIs for Folic Acid:

• Children 4-8 years: 130 mcg per day

• Children 9-13 years: 150 mcg per day

• Adolescents 14-18 years: 200 mcg per day

• Males 19 years and older: 220 mcg per day

• Females 19 years and older: 400 mcg per day

• Pregnant females: 600 mcg per day

• Breastfeeding females: 500 mcg per day

In general, Folic Acid is considered safe when taken in recommended amounts, either from food sources or supplements. However, too much Folic Acid can interfere with the absorption of other essential nutrients, so it’s important to speak with a healthcare provider before taking high doses of this vitamin.

What are the main benefits of Vitamin B9 or Folic Acid for animals?

Vitamin B9, also known as Folic Acid, plays a crucial role in the growth and development of animals. Some of the main benefits of Vitamin B9 for animals include:

1. Supporting red blood cell production: Folic acid is important for the formation of red blood cells in animals, and a deficiency can lead to anemia.

2. Promoting cell growth and division: Folic acid is involved in the process of cell growth and division, and helps support the growth and development of tissues and organs in animals.

3. Improving immune system function: Folic acid plays a role in maintaining a healthy immune system in animals, and a deficiency can weaken their ability to fight off infections and diseases.

4. Supporting nervous system function: Folic acid is important for the proper functioning of the nervous system in animals, and a deficiency can cause a range of neurological symptoms.

5. Reducing the risk of birth defects: For female animals that are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, adequate levels of Folic Acid are important to reduce the risk of birth defects in their offspring.

It is important to note that the recommended intake of Folic Acid may vary between different species of animals, and it is best to consult a veterinarian to determine the appropriate amount for your pet.

Where to buy bulk Vitamin B9 and get market information?

In Kemiex, we offer a safe and private online environment to buy and sell raw materials for the Feed, Food, Vet, and Pharma industries. We also offer market information such as Price Trends, Trade Flows and Market News for all the micro-ingredients of the mentioned industries.