Which vitamin is also known as folic acid?

Folic acid is the synthetic form of vitamin B9, which is essential for various bodily functions, including DNA synthesis and repair, red blood cell formation, and proper cell division. It is particularly important during periods of rapid growth, such as during pregnancy and infancy, as it helps prevent neural tube defects in developing fetuses.

Vitamin B9 is involved in the metabolism of amino acids, and it plays a critical role in producing and maintaining new cells. The body requires adequate levels of folate to ensure that these processes are carried out effectively, emphasizing the importance of this vitamin in overall health.

In contrast, other vitamins mentioned, such as vitamin B6, vitamin B12, and vitamin C, serve different roles in the body. Vitamin B6 is important for protein metabolism and cognitive development, vitamin B12 is crucial for nerve function and red blood cell production, and vitamin C is an antioxidant that supports the immune system and collagen synthesis. Understanding these distinctions highlights the unique functions of each vitamin and reinforces the significance of folic acid as vitamin B9.