Folate (Vitamin B9)
Folate is a water-soluble B vitamin known as vitamin B9 that is naturally present in some foods or added to others in the form of folic acid.
Found In
- Beans and peas (e.g., kidney beans and black-eyed peas)
- Beef liver
- Beverages
- Breads
- Fortified cereals
- Fruits and fruit juices (e.g., oranges and orange juice)
- Meal replacements
- Nuts (e.g., walnuts)
- Vegetables (e.g., asparagus, brussels sprouts and dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach and mustard greens)
- Beans and peas (e.g., kidney beans and black-eyed peas)
- Beef liver
- Beverages
- Breads
- Fortified cereals
- Fruits and fruit juices (e.g., oranges and orange juice)
- Meal replacements
- Nuts (e.g., walnuts)
- Vegetables (e.g., asparagus, brussels sprouts and dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach and mustard greens)
Also Known As
- Calcium-L-Methylfolate
- Folacin
- Folic Acid
- Pteroylmonoglutamic Acid
- Vitamin B9
- Calcium-L-Methylfolate
- Folacin
- Folic Acid
- Pteroylmonoglutamic Acid
- Vitamin B9
The Beverage Bottom Line
Folate (vitamin B9) is authorized for use in the U.S., Europe and Canada.
This ingredient may have authorizations in countries not included on this site.
Folate (vitamin B9) is authorized for use in the U.S., Europe and Canada.
This ingredient may have authorizations in countries not included on this site.
International Assessments and Authorizations
FDA U.S. Food And Drug Administration
Safe for intended uses. (FDA Approved)
In 2006, dietary reference intakes for vitamin B9 were reviewed by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine.
In 1996, FDA evaluated health claims related to folate and neural tube defects.
Learn more →EFSA European Food Safety Authority
Safe for intended uses. Authorized for use in the EU (nutrient).
In 2023, EFSA issued an opinion on the tolerable upper intake level for folate.
In 2020, EFSA evaluated health claims related to folate.
In 2014, EFSA issued an opinion on dietary reference values for folate.
Learn more →JECFA Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives
Safe for intended uses.
Essential nutrients may be appropriately added to foods for various purposes.
Learn more →Health Canada
Safe for intended uses.
Learn more →This page was last updated on 6/30/2025