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Folic acid acts as a coenzyme for approximately
20 different enzymes. Certain population groups are at particular
risk in developing folate deficiency, especially pregnant women
and adolescent females. Folic acid works with vitamins
B12 and vitamin C in the utilization
of proteins and is essential to the development of heme, the
protein-containing iron
in hemoglobin required in the formation of red blood cells.
Folic acid is required for the conversion of homocysteine, which
when deficient can become a risk factor in the development of
arteriosclerosis.
Folic acid may also help prevent neural tube defects in developing
fetuses and is essential during pregnancy. Like newborn infants,
who are also at risk, these groups experience considerable growth,
confirming the importance of folic acid in protein synthesis
and the DNA and RNA replication required in cell growth. Inadequate
folic acid levels are also seen in the elderly, where it is
less efficiently absorbed by the digestive system. Folic acid
deficiency plays an important role in human congenital malformations
such as neural tube defects, cleft palate and cleft lip.
Folic Acid - Functions and
Benefits
Promotes DNA and RNA synthesis, which is essential for the
growth and reproduction of all body cells
Essential to the formation of red blood cells by its action
on the bone marrow
Aids in amino acid metabolism
Helps prevent the development of several fetal related pathologies
Common Deficiency
Symptoms
Gastrointestinal
disorders
Anemia and vitamin
B12 deficiency
Premature gray hair
Anomalies in developing fetuses
Recommended Daily Value:
400 mcg
The amount of vitamins and minerals as set by the RDA only provides
us with the bare minimum required to ward off common vitamin
deficiency diseases such as beriberi, rickets, scurvy and night
blindness. Water soluble vitamins, such as vitamin C, B and
folic acid, must be replenished daily and have been shown to
exhibit numerous positive health effects when taken in amounts
that are greater than the recommended daily allowance.
Care must be taken when supplementing your diet with folic acid
as its use can mask a serious vitamin B12 deficiency disease.
To help mitigate this risk make sure you are also supplementing
your diet with a good source of vitamin B12.
- If you are pregnant or nursing do not take any form of vitamin
supplement unless you have discussed its use with your doctor.
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