PUBLISHER: Fortune Business Insights Pvt. Ltd. | PRODUCT CODE: 1916492
PUBLISHER: Fortune Business Insights Pvt. Ltd. | PRODUCT CODE: 1916492
The global folic acid market is witnessing steady expansion, driven by increasing awareness of micronutrient deficiencies, rising anemia prevalence, and strong government-backed food fortification initiatives. According to the report year analysis, the folic acid market size was valued at USD 0.77 billion in 2025. The market increased to USD 0.81 billion in 2026 and is projected to reach USD 1.30 billion by 2034, reflecting consistent growth during the forecast period.
Market Overview
Folic acid, also known as Vitamin B9, is an essential water-soluble vitamin required for red blood cell formation, DNA synthesis, and cell growth. As the human body cannot synthesize or store folate efficiently, regular intake through fortified foods or dietary supplements is necessary. Folic acid plays a critical role in preventing neural tube defects during pregnancy, making it a key nutrient for pregnant and lactating women. Natural sources include leafy vegetables, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, bananas, beef, and legumes, while synthetic folic acid is widely used in food fortification and pharmaceutical formulations.
Folic Acid Market Snapshot (Year-wise)
North America dominated the global folic acid market in 2025, supported by high incidences of anemia, established fortification mandates, and strong consumer awareness regarding prenatal nutrition.
Market Dynamics
Market Drivers:
Rising global incidences of anemia are a major driver supporting folic acid consumption. Pregnant women, adolescent girls, and children are among the most affected groups, particularly in developing regions. Government-led fortification programs aimed at improving maternal and infant health have significantly increased demand for Vitamin B9 in staple foods such as wheat flour and cereals. Countries including the U.S., Canada, Malaysia, and parts of Europe have enforced mandatory folic acid fortification, accelerating market growth.
Market Restraints:
Potential side effects associated with excessive intake of Vitamin B9, including gastrointestinal discomfort and long-term health risks, act as a limiting factor. These concerns may discourage overconsumption and restrict adoption in certain consumer segments.
Market Opportunities:
Technological advancements in folic acid production present strong growth opportunities. The adoption of microbial fermentation and biotechnological synthesis methods enhances scalability, sustainability, and cost efficiency. Improved fortification techniques also enable seamless incorporation of folic acid into food and beverages without affecting shelf life or bioavailability.
Market Challenges:
High production costs, particularly for naturally sourced folate, and intense competition from alternative supplements pose challenges for manufacturers. Synthetic folic acid remains more widely used due to affordability and ease of production.
Market Trends
A notable trend shaping the folic acid market is the rising popularity of nutricosmetics. These supplements focus on improving skin, hair, and overall beauty from within and increasingly include Vitamin B9 due to its role in cellular regeneration and protection against oxidative stress. North America, in particular, recorded visible growth in nutricosmetics consumption between 2023 and 2024, reinforcing demand for folic acid in nutraceutical formulations.
By Source:
The synthetic folic acid segment dominated the market, holding an 88.90% share in 2026, driven by cost-effectiveness and widespread availability. Natural folate sources accounted for a smaller share due to complex extraction processes and higher costs.
By Application:
The food & beverages segment led the market, contributing 45.23% share in 2026, supported by fortification mandates and growing consumer awareness of nutritional deficiencies. Pharmaceuticals emerged as the fastest-growing segment, driven by folic acid usage in anemia treatment and prenatal care. Nutraceuticals also recorded steady adoption due to rising preventive healthcare practices.
Competitive Landscape
The folic acid market is moderately competitive, with key players such as DSM-Firmenich, Parchem, Jiangxi Tianxin Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., and Nantong Changhai Food Additive focusing on product launches, fortified food solutions, and prenatal nutrition offerings. Strategic collaborations and regulatory-driven fortification initiatives continue to shape the competitive environment.
Overall, from USD 0.77 billion in 2025 to USD 1.30 billion by 2034, the folic acid market is expected to grow steadily, supported by public health initiatives, technological innovation, and rising global awareness of micronutrient deficiencies across diverse populations.
Conclusion
The global folic acid market is set to maintain steady and sustainable growth, underpinned by rising awareness of micronutrient deficiencies, increasing anemia prevalence, and expanding government-led food fortification programs worldwide. With a market value of USD 0.77 billion in 2025, rising to USD 0.81 billion in 2026 and projected to reach USD 1.30 billion by 2034, folic acid continues to strengthen its role as an essential nutrient across food & beverages, pharmaceuticals, and nutraceutical applications. North America's leadership reflects strong regulatory frameworks and prenatal nutrition awareness, while Asia Pacific and Europe are emerging as key growth regions due to mandatory fortification policies and improving health consciousness. The dominance of synthetic folic acid highlights cost efficiency and scalability, whereas innovation in production technologies and expanding applications such as nutricosmetics are creating new growth avenues. Despite challenges related to pricing, competition, and overconsumption concerns, continued public health initiatives, technological advancements, and rising global focus on preventive healthcare are expected to support the folic acid market's positive outlook through 2034.
Segmentation By Source
By Application
By Region