The term "folate" are B vitamins that include folic acid and any forms of active pteroylglutamates regardless of the reduction state of the molecule. Folates, or vitamin B9, are primarily hydrolyzed in the intestinal jejunum and the liver to the active circulating form of folate, I-methylfolate, with an intermediate stable form, 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate. Folic acid, including the reduced forms
This product is a dietary supplement that - due to increased folate levels (AUG 3 1973 FR 20750), requires an Rx on the label because of increased risk associated with masking of vitamin B12 deficiency. As such, this product requires licensed medical supervision, an Rx status, and a National Drug Code (NDC) as required by pedigree reporting requirements.
such as folinic acid, may obscure pernicious anemia above 0.1 mg doses, and must be administered under the supervision of a licensed medical practitioner.
The 1971, 1972, 1973, 1980, 1984, 2000, and 2010 Federal Register Notices addressed this concern while establishing that increased folate was proper therapy in megaloblastic anemias - specifically where homocysteine levels were elevated or risk of neural tube defects (NTDs) was at issue. The Federal Register Notice of August 2, 1973 (38 FR 20750) specifically states that: Dietary supplement preparations are available without a prescription (21 CFR 121.1134). Levels higher than dietary supplement amounts are available only with a prescription. Folic acid - including reduced forms, may be added to medical foods as defined in section 5(b) (3) of the Orphan Drug Act (21 USC 360ee(b)(3)), or to food (21 CFR 172.345).