Folic Acid

• Folic acid functions with vitamin B-12 in many blood processes. 

• It is critical to in cellular division because it is required in DNA synthesis. 

• Without folic acid cells do not divide properly.

• It is essential to red blood cell formation through its action on bone marrow. 

• Folic acid also aids in protein metabolism and contributes to normal growth.

• In pregnant women, Folic acid is essential for the development of the nervous system of the fetus.  Lack of sufficient levels of folic acid have been linked to birth defects including Spina bifida. 

• Natural sources of Folic Acid include deep green leafy vegetables, liver, kidney and yeast.  Other good sources include legumes, asparagus, broccoli, cabbage, oranges, root vegetables and whole grains.  Animal foods are poor sources while plants are much richer however they are less frequently consumed.

• Alcohol and many prescription drugs such as estrogens, sulfasalazine and barbiturates may impair folic acid metabolism.  It is extremely sensitive and easily destroyed by light or heat.

• Deficiency of Folic Acid is considered by some the most common vitamin deficiency in the world.  It has been linked to depression, atherosclerosis, osteoporosis and macrocytic anemia.

• All the cells of the body are affected by deficiency, however, rapidly dividing red blood cells, gastrointestinal and genital tract cells are most affected by deficiency.  It may result in poor growth, diarrhea, anemia, gingivitis and abnormal pap tests in women.  Other symptoms of deficiency include depression, insomnia, irritability, forgetfulness, loss of appetite, fatigue and shortness of breath.

The medical community commonly suggests increased ingestion of folic acid for the following conditions:

Acne

Aids

Anemia

Atherosclerosis

Cancer

Candidiasis

Canker sores

Cataract

Celiac Disease

Cerebrovascular insufficiency

Cervical dysplasia

Constipation

Crohn's disease

Diarrhea

Epilepsy

Fatigue

Gout

Hepatitis

Infertility

Osteoporosis

Neural tube defects

Parkinson's disease

Peridontal disease

Restless legs syndrome

Seborrheic dermatitis

Senility

Ulcerative colitis