In patients who are afflicted with
anemia, a nutritionally deprived diet, alcoholism, liver disease
and various other stomach or medical problems, folic acid is used
to treat these conditions. Over the years, medical practitioners
have prescribed folic acid to the expectant mother. During childbearing
years, women should maintain sufficient amounts of folic acid
either through their diet or supplements to prevent a neural tube
disorder called spina bifida.
What is folic acid?
Folic acid is considered a member of the B-complex family of
vitamins. It is required for the formulations of healthy cells;
particularly red blood cells.
Folic acid serves the following health benefits:
? Provide protection to chromosomes to prevent genetic damage
? Prevents atherosclerosis triggered by excess homocysteine
? Defends against various intestinal parasites as well as food
poisoning
? Has been shown in excessive doses to reduce the risk of cardiovascular
disease
? Required for the proper use of sugar and amino acids
? Prevents certain types of cancers
? Enhances healthy skin
Based on the guidelines of the American federal government,
the recommended daily allowance of folic acid in adults is 400
mcg.
Foods with opulent resources of folic acid include: breakfast
cereals with wheat or oats, other fortified grains, legumes
and beans.
Folic Acid and Cancer
Recent tests have concluded that people who obtain higher than
average amounts of folic acid in either their diets or supplements
have reduced risks of both breast and cancer colon. In individuals
with high intakes of alcohol, folic acid supplements are recommended.
Did you know that only a fraction of American adults are consuming
the recommended daily allowance or intake of B-complex vitamins
by diet alone?
As a result, a multivitamin supplement containing folic acid
and other B vitamins will become inevitable.
