|
|
|
|
Folic Acid (Folate, Vitamin B-9)
Folic acid is a water-soluble B vitamin.
Works closely with Vitamin B12 to promote the development of new cells. Most
people know Folate for it's crucial role in the development of new fetuses, but
in truth, getting adequate amounts of Folate in the diet is important to
everyone. In a recent, updated meta-analysis of studies of the relationship
between Folate and plasma homocysteine
(a substance causing increased risk of cardiovascular disease), it was estimated
that for every 50 microgram increase in daily folate intake, 4,000 to 18,000
deaths due to cardiovascular disease could be prevented annually. Another group
of researchers has indicated that as much as ten percent of all U.S. heart
disease is attributable to elevated homocysteine levels, furthering the urgent
need for everyone, not just expectant
mothers to increase their intake. Folic acid also appears to protect against a
number of auto-immune disorders, particularly colorectal cancers. About 20
epidemiologic studies have suggested that those with the highest folate intake
have an approximately 40% reduction in risk of this cancer. In the Nurses Health
Study, involving 88,756 women, there was a 75% reduction in risk of colorectal
cancer among those using multivitamin supplements containing 400 or more
micrograms of folate for 15 or more years, compared with those not using the
supplements.
The RDA for men is 400 mcg and women is 200 mcg.
IMPORTANCE:
- Necessary for DNA & 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
- gastrointestinal disorders
- anemia
- Vitamin B-12 deficiency
- pre-mature gray hair
|
|
