A Complete Guide to Folic Acid: CAS 59-30-3 | Food & Feed Grade | Applications & Benefits

Many manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, and food producers struggle to find reliable suppliers of high-quality folic acid that meets strict food-grade standards. Understanding the specifications, applications, and benefits of this essential vitamin is crucial for making informed purchasing decisions.

Folic acid (CAS 59-30-3), also known as Vitamin B9 or Pteroylmonoglutamic Acid, is a water-soluble vitamin essential for cell division, DNA synthesis, and nervous system development. As a yellow crystalline powder with a melting point of 250°C, food-grade folic acid is widely used in dietary supplements, food fortification, and pharmaceutical applications. With proper supplementation, folic acid supports cardiovascular health, digestive function, and is especially critical during pregnancy for preventing neural tube defects.

With over 15 years of experience in vitamin manufacturing and an annual production capacity of 500 tons, MOSINTER has established itself as a trusted supplier of premium folic acid products. Our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction has helped countless businesses source reliable, food-grade folic acid for their applications.

Table of Contents

What Is Folic Acid and Why Is It Important?

Folic Acid vs Folate: What's the Difference?

Key Benefits of Folic Acid for Human Health

Technical Specifications and Quality Standards

Applications in Food, Feed, and Pharmaceutical Industries

How to Choose a Reliable Folic Acid Supplier

1. What Is Folic Acid and Why Is It Important?

Understanding what folic acid is and its role in human health is essential for anyone involved in the food, feed, or pharmaceutical industries.

Folic acid is the synthetic form of folate (Vitamin B9), a water-soluble vitamin originally extracted from spinach leaves - hence the name "folic" from the Latin word "folium" meaning leaf. With the molecular formula C19H19N7O6 and CAS number 59-30-3, folic acid plays a vital role in DNA synthesis, cell division, and the production of red blood cells.

The importance of folic acid cannot be overstated. It is involved in numerous bodily functions including the metabolism of amino acids, the formation of neurotransmitters, and the proper functioning of the nervous system. For pregnant women, adequate folic acid intake is critical for preventing neural tube defects in developing fetuses.

2. Folic Acid vs Folate: What's the Difference?

One of the most common questions in the vitamin industry is whether folic acid and folate are the same thing. Understanding this distinction is crucial for product formulation and marketing.

While often used interchangeably, folic acid and folate are not identical. Folate refers to the naturally occurring form of Vitamin B9 found in foods like leafy greens, legumes, and citrus fruits. Folic acid is the synthetic, manufactured form that offers higher bioavailability (approximately 85% compared to 50% for food folate) and greater stability for use in supplements and food fortification.

Folic Acid vs Folate Comparison

3. Key Benefits of Folic Acid for Human Health

Folic acid offers numerous health benefits that make it an essential component in dietary supplements and food fortification programs worldwide.

The primary benefits of folic acid include supporting healthy cell division and development, protecting the cardiovascular system by helping regulate homocysteine levels, maintaining digestive system health, and playing a crucial role in nervous system development. For pregnant women, folic acid supplementation is essential for reducing the risk of neural tube defects by up to 70%.

Health Benefits Overview

Cell Division & Growth: Essential for DNA synthesis and proper cell replication, making it vital during periods of rapid growth.

Cardiovascular Health: Helps convert homocysteine to methionine, reducing cardiovascular disease risk factors.

Nervous System Support: Critical for proper neural tube development and ongoing nervous system function.

Digestive System: Supports the health and regeneration of digestive tract cells.

Red Blood Cell Formation: Works with Vitamin B12 to produce healthy red blood cells and prevent anemia.

Pregnancy Support: Reduces neural tube defect risk by up to 70% when taken before and during early pregnancy.

4. Technical Specifications and Quality Standards

When sourcing folic acid for commercial applications, understanding technical specifications is essential for quality assurance and regulatory compliance.

High-quality food-grade folic acid should meet strict specifications: a melting point of 250°C, boiling point of approximately 552.35°C, and density of 1.4704. The product should appear as a yellow to orange crystalline powder with consistent particle size for optimal solubility and bioavailability. Our MOSINTER folic acid meets EINECS 257-573-7 standards and HS code 2936290000 requirements.

Product Specifications

5. Applications in Food, Feed, and Pharmaceutical Industries

Folic acid's versatility makes it valuable across multiple industries, from human nutrition to animal feed and pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Food-grade folic acid is primarily used in three key sectors: (1) Dietary supplements and prenatal vitamins, where it serves as the primary source of Vitamin B9; (2) Food fortification programs, adding folic acid to flour, cereals, and other staple foods; and (3) Animal feed additives, supporting livestock health and productivity. The pharmaceutical industry also utilizes folic acid in tablet formulations for treating deficiency-related conditions.

Industry Applications

6. How to Choose a Reliable Folic Acid Supplier

Selecting the right folic acid supplier is crucial for ensuring product quality, regulatory compliance, and supply chain reliability.

When evaluating folic acid suppliers, consider these key factors: production capacity and consistency (MOSINTER offers 500T/year capacity), quality certifications and testing protocols, customization capabilities, delivery reliability, and technical support. A trusted supplier should provide comprehensive documentation including Certificates of Analysis (COA), MSDS sheets, and regulatory compliance certificates.

Supplier Evaluation Checklist

Production Capacity: Ensure supplier can meet your volume requirements consistently

Quality Standards: Verify food-grade certification and quality management systems

Documentation: Request COA, MSDS, and relevant regulatory certificates

Customization: Confirm ability to meet specific packaging and specification requirements

Delivery: Evaluate shipping options (Ocean, Air, Land) and lead times

Support: Assess technical expertise and customer service responsiveness

About MOSINTER – Your Trusted Folic Acid Supplier

MOSINTER is a leading manufacturer and supplier of high-quality folic acid (Vitamin B9) based in China. With an annual production capacity of 500 tons per year and a commitment to excellence, we serve customers worldwide in the food, feed, and pharmaceutical industries.

Why Choose MOSINTER?

Premium Quality: Food-grade folic acid meeting international standards

Large Capacity: 500T/year production ensures reliable supply

Flexible Ordering: Minimum order from 1 gram; customized packaging available

Fast Delivery: 7-day delivery via Ocean, Air, or Land transport

Payment Options: T/T and Western Union accepted

Custom Solutions: We customize according to customer requirements

Conclusion

Folic acid (CAS 59-30-3) is an essential vitamin with wide-ranging applications in the food, feed, and pharmaceutical industries. Its superior bioavailability, stability, and cost-effectiveness make it the preferred choice for supplementation and fortification programs worldwide.

When sourcing folic acid for your business, choosing a reliable supplier like MOSINTER ensures consistent quality, competitive pricing, and dependable supply. With our food-grade Vitamin B9 products, comprehensive customization options, and fast delivery, we are committed to supporting your success.

Contact MOSINTER today to discuss your folic acid requirements and discover how our premium Vitamin B9 products can benefit your applications.

Related Topics

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