Which vitamin is commonly referred to as Folic Acid?

Folic acid is the synthetic form of folate, which is also known as Vitamin B9. This vitamin is crucial for several bodily functions, particularly for DNA synthesis and repair, red blood cell formation, and cellular division. It plays a significant role in preventing neural tube defects during fetal development, making it especially important for women of childbearing age.

While other B vitamins like B6 and B12 serve important functions in the body, they are distinct from folate and do not share its specific attributes or health benefits. Vitamin C is also not a B vitamin but is an important antioxidant necessary for collagen synthesis and immune function. Understanding the specific roles of each vitamin helps in recognizing why B9 is specifically designated as folic acid and highlights its unique contributions to health and nutrition.