Folic Acid

Folic acid is a B vitamin vital to the production of red and white blood cells and platelets, formation of new genetic material (DNA) in cells, and growth.  Folic acid (also known as Folate) is an important vitamin for the normal development of a growing fetus.  Pregnant women need extra folic acid to produce more red blood cells (the amount of blood increases by about 50% in a woman during pregnancy) and to maintain normal development of the fetus. Women with a folic acid deficiency before and during pregnancy are more likely to have a child born with a neural tube defect.

Folic acid deficiency can also cause a type of anemia called megaloblastic anemia. Folic acid deficiency usually has no symptoms.  Symptoms of severe folic acid deficiency include a sore tongue and diarrhea.

Recent studies have shown that an adequate intake of folic acid appears to reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering the levels of homocysteine in the blood.  Only a small amount of folic acid is stored in the body.  Folic acid can be found in foods such as liver, kidney, yeast, fruits (bananas, oranges), leafy vegetables (spinach), eggs, whole wheat bread, lima beans, and milk.

Everyday Nutrient Nutraceuticals: Essential Seven

Everyday Nutrient Related Topics: Arteries, Blood Vessels, Cellular Health, Choline, DNA, Essential Amino Acids, Essential Seven, Folic Acid, Free Radicals, Healthy Cells, Heart Supplements, Immune System, Methionine, Methyl Donors, Methyl Groups, Vitamin B12