Research Progress on Folic Acid Health Effects in Newborns and Folic Acid in Human Milk

Folic acid is a very important water-soluble vitamin in human milk, which is essential for embryonic development and growth. The folic acid in human milk often exists in the form of polyglutamic acid salts (≥ 4 glutamyl residues), such as 5-methyltetrahydrofolate. Folic acid deficiency may lead to birth defects such as neural tube defect and congenital heart disease. This article introduces the folic acid content in breast milk from different countries/regions, the factors influencing it and its health effects in order to provide a reference for the development of infant formula milk powder.