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Why is folic acid important?

By Shereen Jegtvig, About.com

Updated September 21, 2009

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

Folic acid supplements may help prevent spina bifida.

Folic acid supplements may help prevent spina bifida.

Photo © Simon Cataudo
Question: Why is folic acid important?
I have been told I should take folic acid. Why is folic acid so important?

Mary - About.com User

Answer: Folic acid is a supplemental form of a B Complex vitamin called folate that is necessary for formation of red blood cells, DNA synthesis and for protein metabolism. Folate is found in citrus fruits, green leafy vegetables, and whole grains. Women who may get pregnant need ample amounts of folate every day to help prevent a birth defect called spina bifida. This defect can occur very early in pregnancy so it is important that moms-to-be start folic acid supplementation or eat folate-rich foods early, even before they attempt to get pregnant.

Some people take supplemental folic acid to reduce homocysteine levels. Having elevated levels of homocysteine is associated with cardiovascular disease. Unfortunately, taking folic acid supplements doesn't appear to decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Sources:

Wald D, Morris J, Law M, Wald N. "Folic Acid, homocysteine, and cardiovascular disease: judging causality in the face inconclusive trial events." BMJ 2006 November; 333: 1114-1117.

Martinez de Villarreal LE, Arredondo P, Hernandez R, Villarreal JZ. "Weekly administration of folic acid and epidemiology of neural tube defects." Matern Child Health J. 2006 Sep;10(5):397-401.

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