Folic Acid

Definition of Folic Acid:

A B-complex vitamin that functions along with vitamin B-12 and vitamin C in the utilization of proteins.  It has an essential role in the formation of heme (the iron containing protein in hemoglobin necessary for the formation of red blood cells) and DNA.  Folic acid is essential during pregnancy to prevent neural tubular defects in the developing fetus.

Topics Related to Folic Acid

Alcohol-related Problems

...relationship to Folic Acid Deficiency
“Alcohol interferes with the metabolism and absorption of folic acid.”

Alfalfa

...as a treatment
“...Powdered Alfalfa contains vitamins A, B-1, B-6, B-12, C, E, & K-1, niacin, pantothenic acid, biotin, folic acid and many essential and nonessential amino acids...”
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More topics Related to Folic Acid

Alzheimer's Disease

...recommendation Vitamin B-Complex
“Optimize your B-complex status, especially folic acid and B12...”

Asthma

...recommendation Folic Acid
“A research team at Johns Hopkins found that individuals with the lowest blood levels of folic acid are at a significantly increased risk of skin and respiratory allergies, wheezing, and asthma.”

Atherosclerosis

...recommendation Folic Acid
“For improved homocysteine metabolism, folic acid (800mcg per day), B6 (50mg per day), B12 (400mg per day), betaine (200 to 1,000mg per day) are recommended.”

Banana

...as a treatment
“...are also abundant in the banana, with 123 IU of vitamin A in a large banana and a full range of B vitamins: 0.07mg of Thiamine, 0.15mg of Riboflavin, 0.82mg Niacin, 0.88mg vitamin B6, and 29mcg of Folic Acid.  There are 13.8mg of vitamin C, and 9.2mg of Calcium, 44.1mg of Magnesium, and trace amounts of Iron and Zinc...”

Biotin

...as a treatment
“...Biotin also assists in the synthesis and utilization of Vitamin B-9 (Folic Acid), Vitamin B-12 (Cobalamin), Vitamin B-5 (Pantothenic Acid), and protein...”

Birth Control Pill Issues

...the condition
“...Nutrients that can be reduced by the use of Oral Contraceptives (OC): Folic Acid (Folate)...”

Bruising Susceptibility

...the condition
“...Possible causes of bruising include ... Nutritional deficiencies, such as deficiency in vitamins C, K, B12, or folic acid...”

Calcium-D-Glucarate

...as a treatment
“...Scientists are discovering that, like antioxidants such as vitamin C, carotenoids, and folic acid, D-Glucarate appears to protect against cancer and other diseases – but through a different mechanism...”

Cervical Dysplasia

...recommendation Folic Acid
Folic Acid in high doses of 10 to 50mg per day have been used successfully to return Pap smears to normal...”

Chemotherapy Side-Effects

...relationship to Megaloblastic Anemia / Pernicious Anemia
“Some chemotherapy agents are known inhibitors of folic acid enzymes and as such can induce a megaloblastic anemia.”

Chronic / Hidden Infection

...relationship to Folic Acid Deficiency
Folic acid deficiency anemia can lead to increased susceptibility to infection.”

Chronic Renal Insufficiency

...recommendation Folic Acid
“...Taking 5mg of folic acid daily can significantly lower these homocysteine levels...”

Colon Cancer

...recommendation Folic Acid
“Long-term use of a multivitamin containing 400mcg of folic acid, found mostly in leafy green vegetables, beans and nuts, may reduce the risk of colon cancer in women by as much as 75%...”

Coronary Disease / Heart Attack

...recommendation Folic Acid
“...A study found that people with a dietary intake of at least 300mcg per day of folic acid reduced their risk of stroke and heart disease by 20% and 13% respectively, compared with those who consumed less than 136mcg of folic acid per day...”
...recommendation Vitamin B-Complex
“105 male and female subjects with coronary artery disease who received folic acid (1mg/day), vitamin B12 (400mcg/day) and vitamin B6 (10mg/day) experienced a significant reduction in reblockage after angioplasty over those who did not take the vitamins...”

Depression

...relationship to Folic Acid Deficiency
“There is substantial scientific evidence linking folic acid deficiency to depression...”

Elevated Homocysteine Levels

...the condition
“...As a major consequence of folic acid deficiency – a particular problem with the elderly – elevated homocysteine impairs DNA repair...”
...recommendation Vitamin B12 (Cobalamine)
“Since most people with a high homocysteine level don't get enough folic acid, vitamin B6 or B12 in their diet, supplementing with these vitamins helps return homocysteine to normal levels.”
...recommendation Folic Acid
“A deficiency of vitamin B12 is associated with elevated homocysteine levels and folic acid is essential for its proper metabolism.”

Female Infertility

...relationship to Folic Acid Deficiency
Folic acid deficiency can lead to infertility.”

Folic Acid

...as a treatment
“...Although folic acid is found in vegetables, fruits, grain products, meat and meat alternatives, it is difficult to get the entire amount from food...”

Folic Acid Deficiency

...the condition
“Alternative names: Vitamin B9 deficiency, Increased Folic Acid Requirement Folic acid deficiency is one of the most common of all vitamin deficiencies...”
...our question about Birth control pill use
“Birth control pills reduce the folic acid content in the body.”
...recommendation Folic Acid
“Whether or not a woman is expecting a child, it is recommended that women of child-bearing age take folic acid every day in order to help prevent NTDs...”

Hepatitis

...recommendation Vitamin B12 (Cobalamine)
“Vitamin B12 (with or without folic acid) has been reported in studies from the 1950s to help some people with hepatitis...”
...recommendation Vitamin B-Complex
“B-complex (50 to 100mg per day), especially Folic Acid (800 to 1000mcg per day) and B12 (1000mcg per day) are needed for good liver function.”

Histadelia (Histamine High)

...recommendation against Folic Acid
“Histadelics should avoid supplemental folic acid as it can produce excess histamine...”

Histapenia (Histamine Low)

...the condition
“...The treatment program consists of the administration of zinc, manganese, vitamin C, niacin, vitamin B12, and folic acid.  With this treatment the high blood copper is slowly reduced and symptoms are slowly relieved in several months' time.”
...recommendation Folic Acid
“The rationale underlying this treatment is that folic acid in conjunction with vitamin B12 injections raises the blood histamine while lowering the degree of symptoms.”

Ileum

...related topic
“...The last foot of the ileum is the only absorption site available for important dietary substances such as vitamin B12, folic acid, some essential fatty acids, fat soluble vitamins, and recycled bile acids.”

Increased Legume Consumption

...as a treatment
“...Legumes are an excellent source of fiber, protein, iron, folic acid, and other B vitamins...”

Inositol

...as a treatment
“...Vitamin E, vitamin C as well as folic acid and linoleic acid are thought to increase the functioning of inositol...”

Intestinal Malabsorption Syndrome

...the condition
“...Specific causes – of which there are many – lead to different patterns in malabsorption, involving for example fat and fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K), vitamin B12, folic acid, iron, protein or carbohydrates...”
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More topics Related to Folic Acid

Liver Detoxification Phase II Support

...as a treatment
“...The lipotropic agents, choline, betaine, methionine, vitamin B6, folic acid, and vitamin B12, are useful as they promote the flow of fat and bile to and from the liver...”

Macular Degeneration

...our question about B-complex supplementation
“...Those taking daily B6, B9 (folic acid) and B12 supplements had a significantly reduced risk of developing age-related macular degeneration.”

Megaloblastic Anemia / Pernicious Anemia

...the condition
“...Megaloblastic anemias are usually caused by a deficiency or defective absorption of either vitamin B12 (cobalamin) or folic acid.  As a result, they are also known as the vitamin deficiency anemias...”
...recommendation Test Folic Acid Levels
“Prevention of folic acid deficiency anemia involves eating raw or lightly-cooked vegetables every day...”
...recommendation Rest
“A person with folic acid deficiency anemia should rest as often as necessary until restored energy levels make it possible to resume regular activities.”
...recommendation Test for B12 Levels
“...When testing facilities are not available or cannot be afforded, intramuscular or sublingual B12, with or without folic acid, can be used to see if symptoms improve...”

Osteoporosis - Osteopenia

...recommendation Folic Acid
“Folate (folic acid) and the B-vitamins involved in homocysteine conversion (such as B12 and B6) may be beneficial in reducing the risk of osteoporosis because high levels of homocysteine are implicated in...”

Pregnancy-Related Issues

...the condition
“...Folic Acid Is Critical...”
...recommendation Folic Acid
“...This need is often not met by the diets of pregnant women, so a supplement of 400mcg to 1mg per day of folic acid is recommended throughout pregnancy...”
...recommendation Vitamin B-Complex
“Many naturopathic and other doctors suggest using vitamin B complex (50mg per day) with additional vitamin B6 and folic acid (800 to 1000mcg per day) for women planning to become pregnant and for those who are pregnant...”

Premenstrual Syndrome

...the condition
“...Other vitamins and minerals may also be advised to help alleviate symptoms such as magnesium, B6, B12, folic acid, calcium, vitamin E...”

Probiotics

...as a treatment
“...Probiotics also make certain vitamins needed by the body including folic acid, vitamin B6, niacin and vitamin K...”

Restless Leg Syndrome

...relationship to Folic Acid Deficiency
“...[Folic Acid in Neurology, Psychiatry and Internal Medicine, New York, Raven Press, 1979]”
...recommendation Folic Acid
“..., you may respond very well to extra folic acid and B12, as well as a product high in specific nutrients that strengthen and elasticize the vessel walls...”

Short Bowel Syndrome

...the condition
“...If anemia is present, this needs to be treated (with vitamin B-12, folic acid, and increased supplemental/dietary iron...”

Sickle Cell Trait / Disease

...the condition
“...The following are general guidelines to keep the sickle cell patient healthy ... Taking oral supplements of the vitamin folic acid (folate) daily to help make new red cells...”

Stinging Nettle

...as a treatment
“...These small sac-like structures contain amines such as histamine, as well as folic acid.  Contact with these stinging hairs can cause a burning and itching sensation which can last up to an hour...”

Stomach Cancer

...recommendation Plant-Based Nutrition
“...The researchers found that plant-based nutrients such as dietary fiber, dietary beta-carotene, folic acid, vitamin C and vitamin B6 were associated with lower risk of these kinds of cancers...”

Stroke

...recommendation Folic Acid
“A study found that people with a dietary intake of at least 300mcg per day of folic acid reduced their risk of stroke and heart disease by 20% and 13% respectively, compared with those who consumed less than 136mcg of folic acid per day...”

Susceptibility To Miscarriages

...recommendation CoQ10 (Ubiquinone)
“...Similar to methionine and homocysteine normalization, the production of coenzyme Q10 in the body also depends on folic acid, vitamin B12, and betaine.”

Syndrome X / Metabolic Syndrome

...recommendation Folic Acid
Folic acid helps break down protein and may reduce the risk of heart disease.”

Tendency Toward Allergic Reactions

...recommendation Folic Acid
“A research team at Johns Hopkins found that individuals with the lowest blood levels of folic acid are at a significantly increased risk of skin and respiratory allergies, wheezing, and asthma.”

Test Folic Acid Levels

...as a treatment
“Serum folate (folic acid) is a test that is commonly used to monitor folic acid status...”

TMG (Trimethylglycine)

...as a treatment
“...In one study, daily treatment with TMG, folic acid and choline normalized homocysteine levels in 17 of 19 patients...”

Tryptophan / 5HTP

...as a treatment
“...Vitamin B6 and folic acid may assist in the conversion to serotonin...”

Vegetarian Diet Consequences

...the condition
“...Most doctors also recommend that pregnant women supplement their diet with iron and folic acid, although vegetarians normally consume more folic acid than meat-eaters...”

Vitamin B12 (Cobalamine)

...as a treatment
“...It facilitates the cyclic metabolism of folic acid, which is essential for thymidine (one of the four DNA bases) synthesis...”

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)

...as a treatment
“...The recent understanding of the use of B6 (as well as folic acid) in the reduction of high homocysteine levels (an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease) can also be added to the benefits of P5P...”

Vitamin B-Complex

...as a treatment
“...B-vitamins are part of a family that includes thiamin (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pantothenic acid (B5), pyridoxine (B6), biotin (B7), folic acid (B9) and cobalamin (B12)...”

Vitamin B-Complex Requirement

...the condition
“...The eight vitamins are thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pyridoxine (B6), cobalamin (B12), folic acid, pantothenic acid and biotin...”

Vitiligo

...recommendation Vitamin B12 (Cobalamine)
“Because many people with vitiligo also have stomach malfunction, they do not absorb vitamin B12 and folic acid very well...”

Weakened Immune System

...the condition
“...We need extra folic acid as well.  Have a regular exercise regimen...”

Wernicke-Korsakoff

...related topic
“...About 40 percent of those affected also have anemia as a result of folic acid deficiency.”

Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome

...the condition
“...About 40% of those affected also have anemia as a result of folic acid deficiency...”
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