Benefits Of Folic Acid

The debate on the necessity of taking dietary supplements is still alive. Although many physicians maintain that we get everything we need from the food we eat, others prefer to offer extra vitamins when their patients are under stress such as pregnancy, illness or even aging.

Studies have shown that taking extra B vitamins, specifically folic acid and B12 have reduced birth defects 72-100%. Since regulations authorizing the addition of folic acid grain came into play, the incidence of congenital malformations in the United States decreased by 19%, while skeptics said it could be grounds for release.

• The symptoms of folate deficiency.

If your tongue is swollen and you suffer a loss of appetite, shortness of breath, are irritable, forgetful and mentally slow, you can have a folate deficiency. Folic acid is one of group B vitamins. Most animal and plant foods are low in it. The exception is liver which most people do not eat much these days.

different habits and diseases also play a greater role in the appearance of a lack of this vitamin. Celiac disease, alcoholism and irritable bowel syndrome to name a few. Studies have also suggested that when older people suffer from depression, it can be caused by a lack of vitamin B9 folic acid.

Folic acid should be taken with vitamins B6 and B12 to help the absorption and function in the body. These three vitamins work together to help relieve the symptoms of depression. They do this by lowering the amount of homocysteine, which appears to play an active role in depression.

Several studies based on population across the United States have shown that various cancers are less ubiquitous in people who have high levels of folic acid. These people have consumed large quantities of beta-carotene, vitamin C and fiber. A study of 50,000 women showed that sufficient consumption of folate significantly reduced the risk of breast cancer.

Some medications prescribed for inflammatory bowel disease have been found to interfere with the powers of the bodies to absorb folic acid. This deficiency has been associated with male infertility and heart disease. The foods that offer the most folic acid are dark green leaves, yeast, beef liver, various seafood, orange juice and milk. Root vegetables and whole grains also provide tiny amounts.

The side effects of folic acid supplements are rare, but can occur if the dose is over 15,000 mcg per day. Taking any part of the group of vitamin B. alone can cause a deficiency in others. Find out if you really need to do and make sure your doctor knows that you plan to take it. Some prescription drugs like antibiotics and warfarin can interact negatively with this supplement, while others such as ibuprofen and aspirin can cause a deficiency.

Methotrexate, used to treat certain cancers and rheumatoid arthritis elevates the body's need for folic acid. Its side effects are greatly reduced by the addition of this vitamin without prejudice to his advantage, so if you are taking this medicine, make sure you consult your doctor about adding folic acid to your diet.