Folic acid or folate is a substance important for red and white blood cell formation. It is one of the B vitamin.
It is also used for the synthesis of DNA, the genetic material of the cells.
It is also important for healthy growth of unborn baby as it helps in development of baby’s brain, spine and skull.
Sources in which folic acid is present! You can get folic acid from foods such as peas, lentils, brown rice, bran, dried beans, barley, tuna, kale, corn, oranges, asparagus, broccoli, liver, beets, whole wheat products, mushrooms, green leafy vegetables, Brussels, spinach and sprouts.
Taking folic acid supplement does not replace the healthy and well-balanced diet. Therefore, follow healthy diet that includes sources of folic acid.
Folic acid deficiency! Your body stores a small amount of folic acid and therefore diet lacking in folic acid leads to deficiency within few months. Deficiency of folic acid is common because you do not consume enough citrus fruits and leafy vegetables.
If you consume alcohol in large amounts, it can interfere with the absorption and processing of folic acid. The absorption of this vitamin is decreased when you take certain anticonvulsants such as Phenobarbital and phenytoin.
Drugs such as sulfasalazine used in treating ulcerative colitis also decrease the absorption of folic acid.
Deficiency symptoms! The first symptom of deficiency is fatigue. You can develop anemia with deficiency of this vitamin. The symptoms of anemia are irritability, dizziness, paleness, and shortness of breath.
Deficiency can also cause sore and red tongue, loss of weight, diarrhea and decreased sense of taste. Pregnant women with folic acid deficiency give birth to baby who have neural tube defect.
Benefits with folic acid! Folic acid works with vitamin C and B12 to help your body, digest and utilize proteins and to synthesize new proteins when they are added. It prevents birth defects and protects against cardiovascular disease and also some forms of cancer.
Folic acid also helps in cell function and tissue growth. Pregnant women are in need of folic acid for themselves and their child. It supports the rapid growth of fetus and placenta.
The body’s production and use of homocysteine is regulated. Homocysteine in high levels in blood is a risk factor for heart disease.
If you are at high risk of heart diseases and stroke, you can benefit by taking supplements of folic acid. Consuming folic acid can reduce levels of homocysteine.
Folic acid is involved in repair, synthesis and functioning of DNA and deficiency can result in damage to DNA that can lead to cancer. For rapidly dividing cells and tissues, this vitamin is important. As cancer cells divide rapidly, this vitamin is used to treat cancer.
It helps people who are under depression. It reduces the high homocysteine levels that are associated with some forms of depression.
Side effects with this vitamin! Taking large doses of folic acid can cause decreased appetite, flatulence, difficulty in concentrating, nausea, insomnia, bitter or bad taste, and abdominal distention.
Serious allergic reactions are unlikely, but if it occurs, seek immediate medical attention. Serious allergic reactions include itching, rash, dizziness, swelling, and trouble breathing.
Benefits of folic acid make it a simple choice to ensure you are getting enough of this important vitamin for your health.