Folic Acid

The natural form of folic acid (folate) is not absorbed in the body as well as the man made form of Folic acid, therefore the Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine recommends these daily requirements of man made Folic Acid for women:
- women in the childbearing years should take 400-800 micrograms of Folic acid daily.
- older women (not able to get pregnant) should take 400 micrograms of Folic Acid daily.

It is important for women's health to meet the daily requirements of Folic Acid. Folic acid helps women to stay healthy, aids in the prevention of cancer and heart disease, as well as protects against birth defects. Folate or folacin is a member of the family of B vitamins and it is Vitamin B9. Folate comes from green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, beans, and whole grains.

The natural form of folic acid (folate) is not absorbed in the body as well as the man made form of Folic acid, therefore the Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine recommends these daily requirements of man made Folic Acid for men:
- A supplemental dose of 400 micrograms of Folic acid daily is needed.*

* This recommendation meets the food and vitamin requirements for 97-98% of healthy people in each age and gender group.

Folate or folacin is a member of the family of B vitamins and it is Vitamin B9. Folate comes from green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, beans, and whole grains.

Folic acid is the man-made form of folate. Folate is essential and needed by everyone. Folate belongs to the family of B vitamins and it is a water-soluble vitamin. Folate is vital for the synthesis and production of red and white blood cells.

Folate plays a vital role in preventing diseases, such as heart disease, stroke, depression, cancer, diabetes, anemia, macular degeneration, and so on.

Some people who need folic acid are:
- In infancy because there is rapid cell growth and division.
- If you are planning for pregnancy, pregnant, or breast feeding.
- If you often consume more than one alcoholic drink per day.
- Certain medications may cause a depletion of folic acid.

For a diet that is not well balanced and does not include the foods listed below, Folic Acid 400 microgram tablets may be purchased over the counter at your local pharmacy.

Excellent sources of folic acid include:
- Grain products such as whole wheat, fortified flour, fortified cereals
- In meat and beans, such as eggs, beans, sunflower seeds, black-eye peas, great northern beans, legumes and liver
- Vegetables are an excellent source, such as asparagus, green peas, broccoli, and leafy green vegetables.
- Fruits such as oranges, strawberries, cantaloupes, and other melons.

http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/folate/
http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/5000/5553.html
http://www.womenshealth.gov/faq/folic-acid.cfm#a