Folic acid has similar functioning as folate, but it is a synthetic form of vitamin B9, commonly referred to as pteroylmonoglutamic acid. It is found in the form of supplements and is added in fortified foods. Folic acid is more commonly used than folate for fortifying food as the latter is easily lost during cooking or baking. Heat and light can break down folate.

Folic acid supplements are generally safe, but taking high dosage may lead to nausea, bloating gas, and sleeplessness. Moreover, our body takes time to convert folic acid to 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF). Sometimes people are not even able to digest a small dose of folic acid.