[Health] The usefulness of Folic Acid

Folic acid (folate)

Definition:
Folic acid is a water-soluble vitamin in the B-complex group.

Alternative Names:
Vitamin B9; Folate; Diet - folic acid; Pteroylglutamic acid

Function:

Folic acid works along with vitamin B12 and vitamin C to help the body digest and utilize proteins and to synthesize new proteins when they are needed. It is necessary for the production of red blood cells and for the synthesis of DNA (which controls heredity and is used to guide the cell in its daily activities).

Folic acid also helps with tissue growth and cell function. In addition, it helps to increase appetite when needed and stimulates the formation of digestive acids

The Good Vitamin Acid, Folic Acid

Folic acid is one of the vitamin members that makes up the Vitamin B complex. Also known as folacin and folate, this nutrient serves the body in several ways. While important for all age groups, folic acid is especially important for pregnant women. Unfortunately, many people fail to meet the recommended daily allowance, which can have real health consequences, especially for pregnant women.

Folic acid is important from the first milestone of life, beginning at conception. In fact, if a couple is considering getting pregnant, the woman should ensure her folic acid consumption is up to par to the suggested daily intake levels. Many nutritionists recommend that every woman of childbearing age make sufficient folic acid consumption a nutritional priority. Folic acid is vital to the development of the baby from the moment of conception. It can help to prevent sinister birth defects in the brain and spine, called neural tube defects. Spinal Bifida is one of the more well-known of these defects. These types of defects usually occur within the first few weeks of development, which means they happen before the average woman even discovers she is pregnant.

Other age group needs

One important function of folic acid is assisting in the formation of genetic material in each and every cell of the body. Another is the formation of red blood cells essential to transporting oxygen and nutrients throughout the body, as well as tissue growth. Folic acid, according to recent studies, has been associated with such health benefits as protection against Alzheimer's disease, possibly some cancers, and heart diseases. It is also believed to offer a certain degree of protection from strokes.

Deficiencies in folic acid can cause other, less severe health problems. Among them are ulcerations in the mouth, peptic ulcers, inflammation of the tongue, and chronic diarrhea. Folic acid deficiency can also contribute to certain kinds of anemia.

Folic acid is a water soluble nutrient, meaning it evacuates the body with urine, and folic acid stores must be replenished daily. Because of its importance in the reproductive system, it is a good idea to consider taking dietary supplements to ensure that the recommended daily allowance is met.

When picking a dietary supplement, it is important to read and understand the label. This will help ensure you are getting the daily intake levels of the nutrients you're after. For example, a prenatal vitamin will concentrate on different nutrients and levels of intake than a general, all-purpose multivitamin meant to be taken daily.

A lot of what makes up good health is planning and maintaining a routine that ensures the daily consumption of proper nutrients. Folic acid supplements can offer a sure and safe ways of delivering the body's daily requirements of this essential nutrient.


In my own experience, I have given a person age about 50 who had cold palms after taking folic acid, improves blood circulation. I have given to elderly late age 70 help improve in age problem. Doctor did prescript to me folic acid before conception. At pregnancy easy delivery, more breast milk and health babies. Infant and toddler formula milk contain folic acid.

Another stage of very important for child coming to age 12 - 15 years of age is puberty for both male and female. For well form reproductive organ cell. This is an early prevention for infertity later in their adult life.

Where do we get folic acid:

Food Sources:
Beans and legumes
Citrus fruits and juices
Wheat bran and other whole grains
Dark green leafy vegetables
Poultry, pork, shellfish
Liver

Those who do not eat pork or shellfish can eat Beans or legumes, grains stuff. I am not sure if flax seed does help. Problem with some children who does not like to eat vegetables may need to have folic acid supplement. Those taking vegetarian or bean stuff no problem.

Folic acid deficiency may cause poor growth, graying hair, inflammation of the tongue (glossitis), mouth ulcers, peptic ulcer, and diarrhea. It may also lead to certain types of anemias. Toxicity from excessive folic acid intake does not normally occur, as folic acid is water soluble and regularly excreted by the body.