Folic Acid

Folic acid (also known as vitamin B9 or folacin) and folate (the naturally occurring form), are forms of the water-soluble vitamin B9. Vitamin B9 (folic acid and folate inclusive) is essential to numerous bodily functions. Folate (folic acid) is necessary for the synthesis of DNA (which controls heredity and is used to guide the cell in its daily activities). Both children and adults require folic acid to produce healthy red blood cells and prevent anemia. 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. This nutrient may also be effective in treating depression and anxiety.

Leafy vegetables such as spinach, asparagus, turnip greens, lettuces, dried or fresh beans and peas, fortified cereal products, sunflower seeds and certain other fruits and vegetables are rich sources of folate. Liver and liver products also contain high amounts of folate. Some breakfast cereals (ready-to-eat and others) are fortified with 25% to 100% of the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for folic acid.

When deficient of folic acid, you might suffer from fatigue, acne, a sore tongue, cracking at the corners of your mouth (same as deficiency of vitamin B2, vitamin B6 as well as iron). Long term deficiency may result in anemia and later in osteoporosis, as well as cancer of the bowel and cervix.

Folic acid is very important in the development of the nervous system of a developing fetus. When a woman has enough folic acid in her body before and during pregnancy, it can prevent major birth defects of her baby's brain or spine.

Research suggests high levels of folic acid can interfere with some antimalarial treatments. Too much folic acid may mask a Vitamin B12 deficiency. Regular high intake of folic acid may cause digestive upset, energy loss and insomnia.