Folic acid (folate) information


Source:
Folic acid (folate) - is a water soluble vitamin found primarily in leafy vegetables, peas, lentils, beans, wheat germ, broccoli, bananas, strawberries, etc. Enriched grain products, i.e. fortified breakfast cereals, and vitamins contain a synthetic form of folic acid.

Traditional uses:
Yerba maté has been used for centuries by South Americans has a natural stimulant to help improve alertness and concentration, as well as, promoting a generalized feeling of well-being.

Physiology:
Folic acid assist the body in breaking down complex carbohydrates into simple sugars that can be utilized for energy. Folic acid also works with Vitamin B12 and Vitamin C to metabolize protein, formation of white and red blood cells, proper differentiation and growth of cells, formation of the nucleic acid of DNA and RNA, etc.

Deficiencies in Folic acid can result in an increase risk for anemia, heart disease, etc. Pregnant women with deficiencies in folic acid are at risk for preeclampsia, premature birth, neural tube defects, cleft lip/palate, etc.

Folic acid may decrease the risk of your unborn fetus from developing serious birth defects called neural tube defects or NTDs. These are defects that occur very early in a fetuses development, within four to five weeks after conception. During this period of pregnancy, the neural tube forms and closes to develop int the spinal cord, brain and bone surrounding these organs. When the neural tube does not close properly two common forms of NTD can occur Spina bifida and Anencephaly. Spina bifida is a defect of the spinal cord that is sometimes called “open spine.” Anencephaly is a birth defect that results in babies being born with underdeveloped brains and incomplete skulls.

Individuals that are at a high risk for cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis can also benefit from taking Folic acid. Folic acid along with B6 and B12 have shown to break down the amino acid homocysteine which at high levels have been linked to these diseases.

Clinical Studies:
Clinical research as shown that women who consume as little as 400 micrograms of synthetic folic acid per day prior to conception and during their pregnancy can reduce the incidence of neural tube defects by 50 to 70 percent and prevent miscarriages. Gindler J, Li Z, Berry RJ, et al. Folic acid supplements during pregnancy and risk of miscarriage. Lancet 2001;358:796–800. Berry RJ, Li Z, Erickson JD, et al. Prevention of neural tube defects with folic acid in China. N Engl J Med 1999;341:1485–90.

Modern day uses:
Today, Folic acid is prescribed by physicians and herbal specialist for the following positive effects:

• Complications with pregnancy - prevention of neural tube defects, cleft lip/palate, preeclampsia (A condition of hypertension occurring in pregnancy, typically accompanied by edema and proteinuria), premature birth.
• Prevention of diseases - Individuals that are at a high risk for cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis can also benefit from taking Folic acid. Folic acid along with B6 and B12 have shown to break down the amino acid homocysteine which at high levels have been linked to these diseases.

Precautions and/or adverse effects:
Individuals with preexisting medical conditions should consult with their physician particularly if they are taking prescription or over-the-counter-medications or supplements. Folic acid is generally free of side effects when taken at the recommended dose (return to homepage).