Definition:
Folic acid is a member of the water soluble family of B Complex vitamins. It is important for healthy red blood cells production, making new cells along your digestive tract. Essential to reduce the risk of having a child with neurological birth defects. To lower their risk, women need to consume adequate folic acid approximately one month before and during the first month of pregnancy, a critical time in the fetus's formation, yet when many women are unaware that they have conceived.
Folic acid is a member of the water soluble family of B Complex vitamins. It is important for healthy red blood cells production, making new cells along your digestive tract. Essential to reduce the risk of having a child with neurological birth defects. To lower their risk, women need to consume adequate folic acid approximately one month before and during the first month of pregnancy, a critical time in the fetus's formation, yet when many women are unaware that they have conceived.
Folic acid helps reduce the risk of heart disease, colon and rectal cancers, the growth of pre-cancerous cells of the cervix, and psychiatric and mental disorders, such as depression and deficiencies in learning and memory.
Folic acid is safe to take in large supplemental amounts, however it can mask a B12 deficiency.
A deficiency of folic acid may result in birth defects, diarhea, swollen tongue, elevated heart disease risk and anemia.
Sources include lentils, spinach, asparagus, orange juice, chickpeas, kidney beans, and fortified foods. The Recommended Daily Allowance for adults is 400 micrograms.
Also Known As: Folate
