Folic Acid 1,000mcg - 100 Caps - Adrien Gagnon

FOLIC ACID

By: Articles by a Naturopathic Doctor and a Holistic Nutritionist

Works well with other B complex vitamins as they all work together...

Folic acid is a water-soluble member of the B complex. It is also known as folate and folacin. This vitamin is needed for energy production, cell replication and the formation of red and white blood cells. It plays an important role in the conversion of homocysteine into harmless substances. Homocysteine damages the inner lining of arteries and high levels of homocysteine are correlated to an increased risk of atherosclerosis.

Folic acid is especially needed in areas where there is high cell turnover. Therefore it is an essential component of normal fetal development, especially in the first trimester when most of the neural network is laid down.

It is commonly recommended by natural health care practitioners for a variety of different therapeutic applications including: cervical dysplasia, depression, anxiety, anemia and atherosclerosis.

All of the B vitamins work together and are best used by the body in a B complex, which is why many B complex supplements include a small dose of folic acid in them. If additional supplementation of folic acid is needed it should be taken in addition to a good B complex. Most B vitamins are water-soluble and any extra from large doses is flushed out of the body easily, therefore it's best to take lower dosages of the B complex several times a day than one larger dose. Spray or sublingual forms of B vitamins are easily absorbed, as are capsules - if your digestion is healthy, then the tablet form is usually suitable for most people.

Folic acid is depleted by oral contraceptives and many other types of medication. Alcohol blocks the absorption of folic acid. High doses of folic acid can also change the way your body uses certain medications. Check with your health practitioner before taking large doses of folic acid. Cooking or microwaving destroys folic acid. Pregnant women should begin supplementation before they become pregnant because folic acid is most needed during the first six weeks of fetal life. This is often when a woman does not know she is pregnant.

Folic Acid– Quick Facts

Food Sources

· Asparagus, Barley, Beef, Bran, Brown Rice, Cheese, Chicken, Green Leafy Vegetables, Lentils, Liver, Dairy Products, Mushrooms, Root Vegetables, Salmon, Tuna, Whole Wheat And Nutritional Yeast.

Deficiency Symptoms

· Anemia, Sore, Red Tongue, Digestive Disturbance, Fatigue, Greying Hair, Growth Impairment, Insomnia, Memory Problems.

Optimum Dosage

· 400 Mcg Daily. (Clinical Doses May Be Higher As Recommended By Your Practitioner).

Works Well With

· Vitamin B Complex, B12, Vitamin C

Important Information

· High Doses Of Folic Acid Over Long Periods Is Not Recommended For Those With Hormone Related Cancers Or Seizure Disorders.
· There Is No Toxicity Associated With Folic Acid.
· Deficiency Of Folic Acid In Pregnancy Is Linked To Neural Tube Defects.