6 things you should know about vitamin B9

When thinking about vitamin B9, people immediately think of pregnancy and taking dietary supplements. However, things are not quite so simple. Here are 6 essential things to know:

1. It has several names: vitamin B9, folate, and folic acid.
2. It reduces the risk of malformations during the baby’s birth, and it reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
3. It is very sensitive to light and heat: do not store foods containing vitamin B9 for too long before eating them, and do not cook them in too much water.
4. It is found in abundance in green vegetables such as spinach, sorrel, lettuce, and broccoli…and in citrus fruits.
5. Generally, children do not eat enough of it.
6. Folic acid deficiency can cause anemia.

This comprehensive monograph on folate, sources, and benefits was published by the Louis Bonduelle Foundation. Also find out more information on Folic Acid in the Vegetables and Nutrients section.