Though relatively rare, a severe folic acid deficiency can cause a form of anemia, a sore, red tongue, chronic diarrhea and poor growth. Alcoholics and people who are on certain medication are susceptible to a severe deficiency. Much more common is a low level of folic acid, which causes no symptoms but raises the risk of heart disease or birth defects.
Buy a folic acid supplements that also contains vitamin B12 (since too much of one can mask a deficiency of the other) A combination supplement may be less expensive than buying each vitamin separately. In the body, folic acid is utilized thousands of times a day to make blood cells, heal wounds, build muscle – in fact, it is necessary for every function that requires cell division.
Folic acid is critical to DNA and RNA formation, and assures that cells duplicate normally. Adequate folic acid at conception and for the first three months of pregnancy greatly reduces the risk of serious birth defects. Folic acid is an important weapon against heart disease and it may be useful in warding off certain cancers, including those of the lungs, cervix, colon and rectum.
Folic acid can be taken at any time of the day, with or without food. When taking an individual folic acid supplements for any reason, combine it with an additional of vitamin B12 to prevent a B12 deficiency. Excellent food sources of folic acid include green vegetables, beans and whole grains. Some grain products are now fortified with folic acid.
Related posts: