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