(also referred to as...)
Folate, Folacin, Pteroylmonoglutamate
Description
Folic acid is a water soluble member of the B-complex vitamins and requires water for absorption. This nutrient is necessary for energy production and the formation of red blood cells. It functions as a co-enzyme in DNA and RNA synthesis and is essential for the replication and division of cells. Folic Acid aids in the normal formation and functioning of white blood cells which helps strengthen the immune system.
Folic acid plays a role in protein metabolism and the production of hydrochloric acid. It works together with B12 in a number of body functions. It is required for the utilization of sugars and amino acids, helps increase appetite, and promotes healthier looking hair. This nutrient protects against intestinal worms and parasites and is useful in preventing food poisoning. It may also be an analgesic for pain.
Ailments / Situations Where Used
Folic acid is an essential nutrient for pregnant women. It prevents neural tube defects such as spina bifida (abnormal spinal cord development in the fetus) and anencephaly (abnormal development of the cranium). Folic acid may also prevent premature birth.
Other ailments in which folic acid is known to prevent or alleviate include anemia, apathy, atherosclerosis, cancer, digestive disorders, hepatitis, memory problems, menstrual problems, mental illness, paranoia, Parkinson's disease, stress, and stomach ulcers.
Source
Good sources of folic acid include avocados, bananas, brown rice, cheddar cheese, chicken, dates, egg yolks, fish (all kinds except cod and halibut), giblets, leafy green vegetables, nuts and seeds, oranges, wheat germ, and whole wheat.
Optimal Absorption
If supplementing, take folic acid in a multi B-complex or multi-vitamin/mineral liquid, tablet, or capsule for optimal absorption.
Substances or situations that destroy or limit absorption of folic acid include alcohol abuse, boiling and overcooking of foods, coffee, stress, estrogen, food processing techniques sulfa drugs, sunlight, tap water, tea, and tobacco.
The following is a list of United States 1997-1998 Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI): Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) for nutritional folic acid intake and are included as a guideline only. Consult with your nutritionist, naturopath, or other health practitioner for a dosage appropriate for your needs. Children under 6 years of age should be under the supervision of the above mentioned specialists if directly supplementing with folic acid.
0 - 5 months, 65mcg DFE (Dietary Folate Equivalents) 6 - 11 months, 80mcg DFE 1 - 3, 150mcg DFE (Dietary Folate Equivalents) 4 - 8, 200mcg DFE 9 - 13, 300mcg DFE (Dietary Folate Equivalents) 14 - 18, 400mcg DFE 19 - 30, 400mcg DFE 31 - 50, 400mcg DFE 51 - 70, 400mcg DFE > 70, 400mcg DFE 9 - 13, 300mcg DFE (Dietary Folate Equivalents) 14 - 18, 400mcg DFE 19 - 30, 400mcg DFE 31 - 50, 400mcg DFE 51 - 70, 400mcg DFE > 70, 400mcg DFE 600mcg DFE (Dietary Folate Equivalents) 500mcg DFE (Dietary Folate Equivalents)
Contraindications / Precautions / Warnings
No known toxicity.
Do not take more than 1,000mcg of folic acid unless advised by your nutritionist, naturopath or other health practitioner.
Some people experience allergic skin reactions in high doses.
Ailment / Situation Listing
All information contained on this website is for reference purposes only and all content should be treated as a resource. It is highly recommended that you consult with your naturopath or other health practitioner when undertaking self-treatment. For serious conditions, always seek the advice of your naturopath or other health practitioner. People taking medication should
consult with their naturopath or other health practitioner before undertaking additional regime for their ailment.
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