Folic Acid Benefits
January 6th, 2009Folic acid is a very important B Vitamin, and unfortunately one that very few Americans get sufficient quantities of in their diet. Also known as folate, this substance is used by the human body for the formation of new cells and also aids in protein metabolism. Water-soluble, it is a compound that becomes chemically active by interacting with vitamins B12, Vitamin C, and Niacin, and is also absorbed by the upper part of the small intestine. The average American diet gets about 0.2 mg of folate in his or her diet. Therefore the Food and Drug Administration has recommended that food manufacturers enrich bread, rice, flour and pasta products with folate. However, the best sources of folic acid include a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, specifically oranges and green leafy vegetables. Another source is to eat cereal that has been supplemented accordingly. Check the labels to make sure you are getting the proper RDA amount of this vital substance.
Often recommended to pregnant women, as one of the chief benefits of folic acid is that it helps to develop the baby's new cells and therefore prevent damage to the baby's brain or spine. A condition that can occur if the pregnant woman does not get enough folic acid is Neural tube defects, which include conditions like spina bifida and anencephaly. The U.S. Public Health Service has recommended that all pregnant women consume at least 400 mcg to reduce their risk of having a baby affected by these birth defects. Recent studies have shown that pregnant women who consume the recommended amount of supplementation can reduce their risk of birth defects by about 50%.
For everyone else, daily dosages of about 180-200 mcg is recommended, and the benefits of folic acid are many indeed. It has been known to protect against parasites in the intestines and food poisoning, make skin healthier, and even help prevent anemia. It also has been known to function as an appetite stimulant as well.
A deficiency is usually related to diet. This is because the human body is very efficient in how it handles its supply of folic acid, usually storing about three to six month's worth of folate. Deficiencies are therefore a result a poor nutrition or improper absorption of folate in the diet. Symptoms include anemia, poor hair growth, inflammation of the tongue and diarrhea. Also, some drugs have been known to interfere with the absorption of the substance by the body.
Since cooking or storage easily destroys folic acid in food, it is recommended that you take supplements. Choose one that contains also the whole range of B12 vitamins and minerals, and as always, one that is GMP compliant, to ensure that it's been prepared to the most exacting scientific standards.
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