What You Should Know about Folic Acid

It is an essential B-vitamin for the human body. Folic acid helps to maintain and produce new cells in the body, as well as prevent DNA changes that can lead to cancer. It is important for normal brain and cell function, as well as tissue growth.

Health professionals have long recognized the importance of folic acids and recommend everyone get their recommended daily intake. It is particularly important for women who are pregnant, because it prevents birth defects. Some countries even make it compulsory for pregnant women to consume folic acids supplements.

It has been suggested in some studies that folic acids can reduce your risk of stroke and heart disease, as well certain cancers. Further research will be needed to confirm the findings.

Folic Acid: What Are the Benefits?

The body benefits from folic acid include:

Views of Experts and Professionals on Folic Acid

Most healthcare professionals agree that every person should consume enough folic acids in their diet. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists advises all women of reproductive age to take 400mcg of folate daily even if there are no plans for pregnancy. It is important to note that half of pregnancies are not planned in the United States.

FDA recommends adults take 400mcg folic acids per day. Women who are pregnant should consume 600 mcg folic acids per day. Fortified food such as breads and cereals as well as leafy vegetables, legumes, oranges and citrus fruits contain folic acid.

What is Folic acid?

For adults, the recommended daily allowance of folic acids is 400 micrograms. Pregnant women should consume 600 mcg. It is especially important that you get adequate folic acids if you're pregnant or trying for a baby. This can be done by taking multivitamin supplements that contain at least 400mcg of folate.

You can get folic acids from foods in addition to multivitamin supplements. Folic acid is found in leafy greens, citrus fruit, grains, beans, nuts and legumes. Breakfast cereals, breads, and other foods may also be fortified. Check the food labels to see if they have been fortified with folic Acid.

Limiting alcohol consumption is important when attempting to obtain enough folic acids. Avoid alcohol as it interferes with folic acids absorption.

What are the side effects or drawbacks to Folic acid?

It is vital to adhere to the daily recommended allowance of folic acids. Taken in excess, folic acids can be harmful. Vitamin B12 deficiencies can cause neurological damage. Folic acid is not meant to replace healthy eating.

Conclusion

Folic acid, an essential B-vitamin, plays a vital role in normal brain and cell function. This is particularly important for women who are pregnant, since it prevents birth defects. Folic acid may reduce your risk of heart disease and certain cancers, according to some studies . Health professionals advise that people should consume enough folic acids in their diet. The best way to achieve this is through multivitamin supplements and foods rich in folic Acid.

It is best to adhere to the daily recommended allowance for folic acids, since taking more than that can cause harm. Supplements of folic acid are no substitute for a healthy diet. Include plenty of vegetables and fruits such as leafy greens, citrus, beans, nuts and grains.

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