Folic Acid Market projected to be worth $993.53 Million by 2034, expanding at a CAGR of 4.7%

The global folic acid market size was valued at USD 630.90 million in 2024. The market is projected to grow from USD 659.50 million in 2025 to USD 993.53 million by 2034, exhibiting a CAGR of 4.7% during 2025–2034.

The global folic acid market has been steadily growing, driven by increasing awareness regarding the health benefits of this essential vitamin, especially its role in preventing birth defects and supporting overall health. As a B-vitamin, folic acid is crucial for various bodily functions, including cell division and the production of DNA and RNA. The growing demand for fortified foods and supplements, as well as a rising focus on maternal health and wellness, is propelling the market. This press release will cover the market overview, key growth drivers, challenges, regional analysis, and key companies involved in the folic acid industry.

Market Overview: Folic Acid Market

Folic acid, also known as Vitamin B9, is a water-soluble vitamin found in various foods, such as leafy greens, citrus fruits, and legumes. However, in many countries, folic acid is primarily consumed as a supplement, particularly among pregnant women. It is widely used in prenatal vitamins to prevent neural tube defects in newborns. Additionally, folic acid is often added to foods such as cereals, flour, and rice as part of fortification programs aimed at improving public health.

Folic acid is also being used in several therapeutic applications beyond prenatal care, such as in the treatment of folate deficiencies and cardiovascular diseases. This has broadened its use across a variety of demographics, including the elderly, athletes, and individuals with specific health conditions.

Key Market Growth Drivers

Several factors are contributing to the rapid expansion of the folic acid market. Below are some of the key growth drivers that are expected to support continued market growth.

1. Rising Awareness about the Benefits of Folic Acid

One of the most significant factors driving the demand for folic acid is the increasing awareness of its health benefits, particularly in maternal health. Folic acid is essential for the proper development of the fetus, and its role in preventing neural tube defects has been widely promoted by healthcare organizations globally. In many countries, doctors recommend folic acid supplementation before and during pregnancy to prevent these birth defects.

The awareness of these benefits has led to an increase in the consumption of folic acid supplements not just among pregnant women but also among women of childbearing age. This growing awareness is being supported by government initiatives, media campaigns, and educational programs aimed at promoting maternal health.

2. Government Initiatives and Fortification Programs

Governments worldwide have recognized the public health benefits of folic acid and have implemented fortification programs to address folate deficiencies. Many countries, especially in North America and Europe, have introduced mandatory folic acid fortification in staple foods such as flour, rice, and cereals. This is aimed at ensuring that the population receives an adequate amount of folic acid to prevent birth defects and improve overall health.

For example, in the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) mandated the fortification of enriched cereal grains with folic acid in 1998, leading to a significant reduction in the incidence of neural tube defects. These programs have played a major role in driving the demand for folic acid globally.

3. Growing Demand for Dietary Supplements

The global demand for dietary supplements, particularly vitamins and minerals, has surged in recent years. Consumers are increasingly adopting proactive health measures, including vitamin supplementation, to prevent deficiencies and support their overall well-being. The rising focus on preventive healthcare, as well as the growing aging population, has created a significant demand for folic acid supplements.

Folic acid supplements are commonly available in the form of tablets, capsules, and fortified foods. They are widely used by individuals who may not get sufficient amounts of folate from their regular diets. Furthermore, the increase in awareness of the importance of folic acid during pregnancy has further boosted the demand for these supplements.

4. Expanding Applications of Folic Acid

In addition to its use in preventing birth defects, folic acid has other health benefits that are fueling its demand. For example, it is increasingly being recognized for its potential role in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Research suggests that folic acid can help lower the levels of homocysteine, an amino acid linked to an increased risk of heart disease when present at elevated levels.

Folic acid is also being studied for its role in preventing other conditions such as stroke, certain cancers, and even mental health issues like depression. The expanding use of folic acid for such therapeutic purposes has widened its market beyond prenatal care, making it relevant for a broader range of consumers.

Browse Full Insights:

https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/folic-acid-market

Market Segmentation:

Folic Acid Market, Form Type Outlook (Revenue – USD Million, 2020-2034)

• Tablets
• Soft Gels
• Lozenges
• Others

Folic Acid Market, Applications Outlook (Revenue – USD Million, 2020-2034)

• Food & Beverages
• Pharmaceutical
• Nutraceuticals
• Others

Folic Acid Market, Source Type Outlook (Revenue – USD Million, 2020-2034)

• Plants
• Animals

Market Challenges

Despite the promising growth of the folic acid market, there are several challenges that the industry faces.

1. Lack of Awareness in Developing Regions

While awareness of folic acid’s health benefits is increasing in developed countries, there are still many developing regions where the knowledge about its importance is limited. For example, countries in sub-Saharan Africa and parts of Asia have lower levels of awareness regarding the need for folic acid during pregnancy and the role it plays in preventing birth defects.

This lack of awareness results in low folic acid consumption and higher rates of birth defects and other health issues related to folate deficiency. Increased efforts are required to educate consumers and healthcare providers in these regions about the benefits of folic acid supplementation.

2. Side Effects and Overconsumption

While folic acid is generally safe when consumed in recommended amounts, excessive intake can lead to side effects, including nausea, abdominal cramps, and insomnia. Additionally, some studies have raised concerns about the potential link between excessive folic acid consumption and certain types of cancer, such as prostate cancer.

There is also the challenge of balancing the fortification of foods with the risk of overconsumption. Governments and regulatory agencies must carefully monitor folic acid levels in fortified foods to ensure they are within safe limits for the general population.

3. Raw Material Supply Chain Issues

Folic acid is synthetically produced, and any disruptions in the supply chain for raw materials used in its production can result in price fluctuations and supply shortages. The production of folic acid depends on specific chemical processes, which can be affected by various external factors, including raw material availability and manufacturing capabilities.

As demand for folic acid grows, the supply chain must be able to meet the needs of the market, especially in the face of global economic uncertainties and potential trade disruptions.

Regional Analysis

The folic acid market varies across different regions, driven by factors such as economic development, regulatory policies, and consumer awareness.

North America

North America is one of the leading regions in the folic acid market. In particular, the United States has a well-established mandatory fortification program, which has led to a reduction in the prevalence of folate deficiency and neural tube defects. The demand for folic acid supplements is also strong due to growing health awareness and the increasing number of pregnant women.

The U.S. is home to several key companies involved in the production of folic acid supplements, and the region is expected to continue leading in market share.

Europe

Europe is another significant market for folic acid, particularly in countries like the United Kingdom, Germany, and France, where mandatory folic acid fortification policies have been implemented. The region is also witnessing an increasing demand for dietary supplements, and folic acid is commonly recommended for pregnant women. Additionally, the rising awareness of the role of folic acid in cardiovascular health is driving the market in Europe.

Asia-Pacific

The Asia-Pacific region is expected to experience the highest growth in the folic acid market. With a large and growing population, particularly in countries like India and China, there is a substantial opportunity to increase awareness and consumption of folic acid. As the region continues to urbanize and healthcare systems improve, the demand for folic acid supplements is anticipated to rise significantly.

Government initiatives aimed at addressing folate deficiency and the growing demand for prenatal care are also contributing to the region’s market expansion.

Latin America and Middle East & Africa

The Latin America and Middle East & Africa regions are seeing gradual growth in the folic acid market. Countries like Brazil and South Africa are increasingly focusing on maternal health, which has led to higher consumption of folic acid. However, awareness levels are lower compared to North America and Europe, which presents a challenge to the overall growth of the market in these regions.

Key Companies

Some of the prominent companies operating in the folic acid market include DSM, BASF SE, Lonza Group, Merck & Co., Inc., and Solvay S.A. These companies are involved in the production and distribution of folic acid in various forms, including supplements and fortified foods. As demand for folic acid continues to rise globally, these companies are focusing on expanding their product offerings and ensuring compliance with government regulations to support market growth.

Conclusion

The folic acid market is set to continue its strong growth trajectory due to increasing awareness of its health benefits, growing demand for fortified foods and supplements, and government initiatives to combat folate deficiencies. While challenges such as awareness gaps in developing regions and supply chain disruptions exist, the market’s outlook remains positive, particularly in emerging economies like Asia-Pacific and Latin America.

As consumer demand for sustainable and health-promoting products rises, folic acid is likely to remain a key component of dietary supplements, particularly for maternal health and cardiovascular well-being. With continued innovations and the expansion of fortification programs, the folic acid market is poised for sustained growth in the coming years.