The terms folic acid (also known as vitamin B9 or folacin) and folate (the naturally occurring form) are often used interchangeably for this water-soluble B-complex vitamin.
Folic acid, the more stable form, occurs rarely in foods or the human body but is the form most often used in vitamin supplements and fortified foods. Naturally occurring folates exist in many chemical forms. Folates are found in foods as well as in metabolically active forms in the human body. Folate and folic acid derive their names from the Latin word folium (which means "leaf"). Leafy vegetables are a principal source.
Why do we need it?
Vitamin B9 (folic acid and folate inclusive) is essential to numerous bodily functions ranging from nucleotide biosynthesis to the remethylation of homocysteine. The human body needs folate to synthesize DNA, repair DNA, and methylate DNA as well as to act as a cofactor in biological reactions involving folate. It is especially important during periods of rapid cell division and growth. Both children and adults require folic acid to produce healthy red blood cells and prevent anemia.
How may I find Folic acid?
The principal form of supplementary folate is folic acid. It is available in single ingredient and combination products such as B-complex vitamins and multivitamins.
Causes of Folate deficiency?
Folate deficiency is most often caused by a dietary insufficiency; however, folate deficiency can occur in a number of other situations. For example, alcoholism is associated with low dietary intake and diminished absorption of folate, which can lead to folate deficiency. Additionally, certain conditions such as pregnancy or cancer result in increased rates of cell division and metabolism, causing an increase in the body's demand for folate. Several medications may also contribute to deficiency
Health risk of too much folic acid?
The risk of toxicity from folic acid is low because folate is a water soluble vitamin and is regularly removed from the body through urine.
Linus Pauling Institute Recommendation?
The available scientific evidence shows that adequate folate intake prevents neural tube defects and other poor outcomes of pregnancy, is helpful in lowering the risk of some forms of cancer, especially in genetically susceptible individuals, and may lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
The Linus Pauling Institute recommends that adults take a 400 mcg supplement of folic acid daily, in addition to folate and folic acid consumed in the diet.
The Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine advises that all adults limit their intake of folic acid (supplements and fortification) to 1,000 mcg (1 mg daily)
Disclaimer: The information on micronutrients and phytochemicals contained on this Web site does not cover all possible uses, actions, precautions, side effects, and interactions. It is not intended as medical advice for individual problems. Liability for individual actions or omissions based upon the contents of this site is expressly disclaimed. The information should not be used in place of a consultation with a competent health care or nutrition professional.
References: Linus Pauling University, Dept of Nutritional Sciences and toxicology University of California, Wikipedia.
Folic acid, the more stable form, occurs rarely in foods or the human body but is the form most often used in vitamin supplements and fortified foods. Naturally occurring folates exist in many chemical forms. Folates are found in foods as well as in metabolically active forms in the human body. Folate and folic acid derive their names from the Latin word folium (which means "leaf"). Leafy vegetables are a principal source.
Why do we need it?
Vitamin B9 (folic acid and folate inclusive) is essential to numerous bodily functions ranging from nucleotide biosynthesis to the remethylation of homocysteine. The human body needs folate to synthesize DNA, repair DNA, and methylate DNA as well as to act as a cofactor in biological reactions involving folate. It is especially important during periods of rapid cell division and growth. Both children and adults require folic acid to produce healthy red blood cells and prevent anemia.
How may I find Folic acid?
The principal form of supplementary folate is folic acid. It is available in single ingredient and combination products such as B-complex vitamins and multivitamins.
Causes of Folate deficiency?
Folate deficiency is most often caused by a dietary insufficiency; however, folate deficiency can occur in a number of other situations. For example, alcoholism is associated with low dietary intake and diminished absorption of folate, which can lead to folate deficiency. Additionally, certain conditions such as pregnancy or cancer result in increased rates of cell division and metabolism, causing an increase in the body's demand for folate. Several medications may also contribute to deficiency
Health risk of too much folic acid?
The risk of toxicity from folic acid is low because folate is a water soluble vitamin and is regularly removed from the body through urine.
Linus Pauling Institute Recommendation?
The available scientific evidence shows that adequate folate intake prevents neural tube defects and other poor outcomes of pregnancy, is helpful in lowering the risk of some forms of cancer, especially in genetically susceptible individuals, and may lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
The Linus Pauling Institute recommends that adults take a 400 mcg supplement of folic acid daily, in addition to folate and folic acid consumed in the diet.
The Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine advises that all adults limit their intake of folic acid (supplements and fortification) to 1,000 mcg (1 mg daily)
Disclaimer: The information on micronutrients and phytochemicals contained on this Web site does not cover all possible uses, actions, precautions, side effects, and interactions. It is not intended as medical advice for individual problems. Liability for individual actions or omissions based upon the contents of this site is expressly disclaimed. The information should not be used in place of a consultation with a competent health care or nutrition professional.
References: Linus Pauling University, Dept of Nutritional Sciences and toxicology University of California, Wikipedia.