Folate (folic acid) 葉酸

In Japan: Foods with Nutrient Function Claims and the Dietary Reference Intakes

Wording allowed (current)

“Folic acid is a nutrient that helps with the formation of red blood cells.”

“Folic acid is a nutrient that contributes to the normal development of the fetus.”

Amount per daily serving

72-200 μg (within this range, the wording above may be used without notification)

Proposed revision

“Folic acid is one of the nutrients that helps make red blood cells.”

“Folic acid is a nutrient that helps the normal development of the fetus.”

Amount: 72-200 μg

Referred to the Consumer Commission on July 17, 2026. The proposal includes a transition period allowing the current wording until March 31, 2030.

Dietary Reference Intakes (2025, ages 30–49)

Recommended dietary allowance 240 μg (men and women) / tolerable upper intake level 1,000 μg (applies to folic acid from supplements and other non-ordinary foods)

• The Dietary Reference Intakes state that women who are planning a pregnancy, may become pregnant, or are in early pregnancy are encouraged to take 400 μg of folic acid per day from foods other than ordinary foods (to reduce the risk of neural tube defects in the fetus).

In the EU: the register of health claims

EU-authorised claimIn the register: 9 authorised, 7 not authorised

• Claims such as blood formation, growth of maternal tissue during pregnancy, and reduction of tiredness are authorised.

In the EU, only health claims whose evidence has been assessed by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and authorised by the European Commission may be used on food. “Not authorised” means the evidence for that claim was not established under EU standards — not that the ingredient is dangerous.

What the US NIH says

• It is established that folic acid before and during pregnancy reduces neural tube defects. For preventing cancer or heart disease, no clear overall benefit has been shown.
• Taking too much can mask anemia caused by vitamin B12 deficiency. It interacts with methotrexate and some antiepileptic drugs.

Sources: MHLW eJIM "Folic acid and folate"

Other ingredients in the same categories

• Vitamin D
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin E
• Vitamin A
• Vitamin B12