What is Folate or Folic Acid?

Folic Acid is a powerful B vitamin that is responsible for helping the body make new cells. Folic acid (folinic acid, folacin, pteroylglutamic acid) is essential for the synthesis of adenine and thymine, two of the four nucleic acids that make up our genes, DNA and chromosomes.

Research has shown many positive benefits of folate. Probably the most important benefit of folate is for women of childbearing age (18-45). It has been shown that sufficient amount of folate in the body before pregnancy will prevent neural tube defects, which cause spinal cord and brain deformities in fetuses. Folic Acid is also shown to lower the risk of colon and breast cancer. Deficiencies in this vitamin, inversely, contribute to development of these cancers. Folic acid keeps DNA stable and can prevent it from breaks and tears which may cause it to become cancerous. Finally, this B vitamin is responsible for breaking down homocysteine, an amino acid that can cause heart disease.

Foods that contain high dosages of folate include dark green leafy vegetables, whole-grain cereals and animal products. A few examples of these foods include chickpeas, spinach, oranges, strawberries, and cantaloupe. If proper amounts cannot be obtain through food a folate supplement would be recommended. The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) of folate for most individuals is 400 micrograms (mcg). Higher dosages need to be taken for certain individuals. Pregnant women should take 800mcg to prevent birth defects.

Mike