BENEFITS OF FOLIC ACID REVIEW; FOLIC ACID
DEFICIENCY & FOODS
The benefits of folic acid are significant,
especially for pregnant women. Folic acid facts : It is
a coenzyme with the chemical name pteroylglutamic acid.
Although being a water soluble vitamin, folic acid can be
stored in the liver, therefore doesn't need to be taken daily
to avoid depletion and deficiency symptoms.
Folic Acid Facts
Folic acid is important for the manufacture of nucleic acids
(RNA and DNA) and healthy cell division and growth. It is also
essential for the formation of amino acids, protein metabolism,
and energy production.
Vitamin B9 folic acid is needed for the formation of healthy
red and white blood cells and is vital to the production of
hemoglobin, used by red blood cells to carry oxygen. Vitamin B9
folic acid assists in the production of dopamine and serotonin,
neurotransmitters which regulate brain functions connected with
mood, appetite, and sleep.
Benefits of Folic Acid
The benefits of folic acid include aiding digestion,
helping the nervous system, improving mental health. More
folic acid facts are that it's also helpful for anxiety
and depression, exerting a mild antidepressant effect.
Folic acid benefits are vital for nervous system development
in a pregnant woman's fetus, and it's a clinically proven
folic acid fact that it helps th reduce birth defects
such as Spina Bifida and Down's Syndrome, and other serious
nervous system defects.
Benefits of folic acid help with the production and function
of white blood cells, fortifying the immune system.
Folic acid supplements have been documented to reduce
homocysteine levels by 25 percent, by converting it to
methionine (the amino acid homocysteine has been linked to
heart disease and stroke). More folic acid side effects
are that it may also protect against osteoporosis and some
cancers.
Folic Acid Deficiency
Factors that may increase folic acid deficiency
include alcohol consumption, caffeine, tobacco, stress, and
insufficient dietary fresh fruit and vegetables.
Folic acid deficiency can lead to slower metabolism
and tiredness, paranoia, poor memory, labored breathing,
heartburn, red sore tongue, acne, cracks around the mouth,
constipation or diarrhea.
More long-term folic acid deficiency may lead to anemia,
rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, bowel and cervical
cancer.
Folic Acid Side Effects and
Dosage
Recommended dietary allowance (minimum daily dose to ward
off serious deficiency) of folic acid dosage for men is 200 mcg
and 180 mcg for women, although 1000 mcg folic acid dosage is
commonly used in vitamin supplements.
Long term high intake of folic acid side effects can
mask vitamin B12 deficiency, lead to digestive problems,
insomnia, and fatigue.
Sources of Folic Acid Foods High in Folic
Acid
Here are examples of where to find animal sources of
folic acid foods and good plant foods high in folic
acid:
Animal sources of folic acid foods : Organ meats
such as liver, heart and kidney, pork, brewer's yeast, egg
yolk, milk, salmon and tuna.
Plant foods high in folic acid : Leafy green
vegetables, broccoli, asparagus, avocados, cabbage,
mushrooms, legumes, wholegrain products, lentils, nuts,
beans, apricots and oranges.
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