Folic Acid

Folic Acid: The Importance of Folic Acid

What is folic acid?

Folic Acid is a water-soluble B vitamin that is essential for human health. Folic acid is important for the production of red blood cells and aids in the development of the fetal neural tube during pregnancy. It helps in the prevention of neural tube defects in babies, ones that can occur in the brain and spinal cord. It is also used to treat certain types of anemia, such as pernicious anemia, a condition arising from a lack of red blood cells. Folic acid is found naturally in foods such as leafy green vegetables, fruits, and beans. It is also available as a supplement, a pill or injection.

Sources of folic acid

Leafy green vegetables such as spinach, collard greens and kale are loaded with folate. Other food categories rich in Folate are fruits like oranges and avocados, beans, peas and lentils, fortified grain products and liver.

How much folic acid do you need?

The recommended daily amount of folic acid is 400 micrograms (mcg) for adults. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding need more folic acid, 600 mcg and 500 mcg respectively.

Benefits of folic acid:

• Prevents neural tube defects in babies
• Helps prevent certain types of anemia
• Helps maintain a healthy pregnancy
• May reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke
• May help prevent certain types of cancer, such as colon cancer.

Risks of folic acid:

Folic acid is generally safe when taken in recommended amounts. However, taking too much folic acid can cause side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In rare cases, it can also cause serious side effects, such as seizures and coma.

Signs and symptoms of folic acid deficiency include:

• Anemia, a condition in which the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells.
• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Pale skin
• Shortness of breath
• Rapid heart rate
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Sores on the tongue
• Tingling or numbness in the hands and feet
• Vision problems

When to contact your doctor

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have a family history of neural tube defects, it is important to talk to your doctor about taking a folic acid supplement. You should also talk to your doctor if you are taking any medications, as some medications can interfere with the absorption of folic acid.

Conclusion

Folic acid is an important nutrient that is essential for human health. It helps prevent neural tube defects in babies, and it also helps prevent certain types of anemia. Folic acid is found naturally in many foods, and it is also available as a supplement. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have a family history of neural tube defects, it is important to talk to your doctor about taking a folic acid supplement.