Folic Acid

Chemical Name:Folate

Description:Folic acid is known as either vitamin B9 or B10. This is a water-soluble vitamin that functions as a coenzyme important for breaking down and utilizing proteins. Folic acid is important for the formation of red blood cells. This is because folic acid is a carrier of carbon when forming heme. Heme is important for the formation of red blood cells because it is the iron-containing protein in hemoglobin.

Absorption/Storage:Active transport (energy is required and this is the way most nutrients cross) and diffusion (movement from a greater concentration to a lesser concentration) are the two pathways folic acid is absorb by the gastrointestinal tract. The vascular system transports this vitamin where it is then stored in the liver.

Dosage/Toxicity:The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) suggests the following amounts for folate: newborns-6 months 25ug, 6 months-1 year 35ug, children 1-3 years 50ug, children 4-6 years 75ug, children 7-10 years 100ug, males 11-14 years 150ug, males 15-51+ years 200ug, females 11-14 years 150ug, females 15-51+ years 180ug, lactating women (1st 6 months) 280ug, lactating women (2nd 6 months) 260ug. Before taking more than 10 times the RDA, you should consult with a physician. A vitamin B12 deficiency may be masked by large doses of folic acid.

Deficiency:Megablastic anemia is a condition caused by a deficiency in folate. In this form of anemia, the red blood cells are too large. Since the RBC's are too large there are not enough of them. Just because the cells are larger that does not mean they carry more oxygen, in fact, they carry the same amount as the normal size red blood cells. Anemia may be spotted by sleeplessness and depression. The results of folate deficiency include tongue inflammation, diarrhea, lesions, and poor growth. Mental disorders may also result such as forgetfulness, and neurological irritability. Pregnant women often experience a deficiency in folate because the fetus is rapidly growing, pulling from the mother. If the fetus does not get enough folate it may result in cleft palate, brain damage, and spina bifida.

Common UseStomach and leg ulcers, menstrual complications, and anemia may be treated with folic acid. Pregnant women should take folate 6 months before conception to prevent birth defects. When taken with PABA and pantothenic, this vitamin may prevent hair from turning gray. Arthritics may find some relief by taking folic acid with vitamin B12.

Food Sources:Fortified cereals, any selection of green vegetables, liver, beans, and rice

Precautions:Sensitivities to estrogen may arise by using folate. Those suffering from high-histamine schizophrenia may experience an increase in depression when administered folic acid. Consult a physician if pregnant, symptoms of nausea, diarrhea, or dizziness last more than a week, or if new symptoms appear.

Scientific References: Groff, J., Gropper, S., and Hunt, S. (1995). Advanced Nutrition and Human Metabolism. St. Paul Minnesota: West Publishing Company. Gropper and Hamilton. (1987). The Biochemistry of Human Nutrition. St. Paul, Minnesota: West Publishing Company. Kirschmann, G. and Kirschmann, J. (1996). Nutrition Almanac. New York, New York: McGraw Hill. Murray, M., (1996) Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements. Unites States of America: Prima Publishing. Murray, M. and Pizzorno, J., (1998) Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine. United States of America: Prima Publishing. National Research Council. (1989). Recommended Dietary Allowance. Washington D.C.: National Academy Press. Null, G., (1998) The Complete Encyclopedia of Natural Healing. New York, New York: Kensington Publishing Corp.