The analytical results for folic acid content in the selected samples were consistent with the declared values and within the tolerance ranges established in the European Guidance document. The results showed that nine health-related claims are currently approved for folic acid in Europe. Authors performed (1) a review of health-related claims approved for folic acid in Europe, (2) a market research of food supplements commercialized in Spain with those claims, and (3) a selection of food supplements for chemical analysis in the lab to assess these claims. The objective of this work was to assess the compliance level of health claims related to folic acid in food supplements commercialized in Spain according to the European regulation. As consumers increasingly rely on food supplements, it is vital to properly inform them about the health benefits provided by supplements’ consumption to ensure their safe use.
The daily intake of folic acid, a crucial vitamin for embryonic development, must be reinforced through supplementation, as sometimes diets are not well equilibrated. Pregnant women are a vulnerable group with increased nutritional requirements.
