Folic acid, a
water-soluble B-complex vitamin, is essential to form red blood cells, produce
DNA and RNA, prevent age-related hearing loss, as well as prevent
pregnancy-related complications such as major congenital deformities or neural
birth defects.
Folic acid, sometimes a
synthetic form of folate, is vital in producing red blood cells, metabolizing
homocysteine, and in the creation of DNA and RNA, the building blocks of all
cells. It is also essential in maintaining the amino acid levels and preventing
cancer-related DNA changes. It is
usually found in supplements and fortified foods such as cereals. Since it's
hard getting enough folate from natural foods such as leafy vegetables, beans,
or citrus fruits, it's important to take the
right amount of folic acid to prevent folic acid deficiency.
Folic acid deficiency
occurs when there's lower-than-normal folic acid present in the body. Folic
acid deficiency may cause health issues such as anemia, peptic ulcer, diarrhea,
clinical depression, memory loss, and neural birth defects including spina
bifida and anencephaly. Studies also linked folic acid deficiency to autism and
birth defects such as cleft lip and palate.
Symptoms of folic acid deficiency include the following:
- Weight loss
- Mouth sores
- Fatigue
- Lack of energy
- Decrease in memory or cognitive function
- Mood disorders
Consuming dark green
vegetables and other folic-acid-rich foods can prevent folic acid deficiency. Foods
with high content of folic acid include asparagus, cabbage, cauliflower, egg
yolk, lettuce, kidney, fruits, spinach, peas, potato, among others. Folic acid
supplements can also be taken to prevent folic acid deficiency, especially in
pregnant women. Research studies recommend that pregnant or
planning-to-get-pregnant women should take more doses of folic acid before and
during pregnancy. Doing so ensures the growth of the spinal cord in the womb
and prevent any deformities in newborn infants, as well as other complications
brought about by folic acid deficiency.
As with all things,
everything must be taken in moderation. Having too much folic acid from
supplements and fortified foods can create a host of minor and major health
issues. Minor side effects include nausea, loss of appetite, bloating, gas,
sleep disturbances, excessive excitement, irritability, or zinc deficiency.
Major side effects include numbness or tingling, mouth pain, weakness,
confusion, fatigue, seizures, psychotic behavior, or inability to concentrate.
Most people also have some
problems with taking folic acid not properly or fully metabolizing in their
systems. This may be due to alcohol,
pharmaceutical medicine, or a genetic defect known as methylenetetrahydrofolate
reductase (MTHFR) mutation.
Individuals with the MTHFR
mutation have a decreased ability to convert folate or folic acid into a usable
form. A research study has shown that a large percentage of the population has
the MTHFR mutation. Signs and symptoms of this mutation include blood sugar
level problems, depression, anxiety, chronic fatigue syndrome, or heart issues.
Individuals with the MTHFR
mutation can instead take methylated folic acid, also known as methylfolate, to
prevent folic acid deficiency. Like folic acid supplements, methyfolate
supplements also prevent a myriad of health issues linked to folic acid
deficiency such as heart conditions, anemia, diarrhea, clinical depression,
diarrhea, neural birth defects, and other such related health problems.
When your doctor
prescribes methylfolate supplements for your folic acid requirements, you can
go to Methyl-life to get quality supplements at reasonable prices. At
Methyl-life, you are assured of fast and reliable service.
Sources:
- What to know about folic acid, Christian Nordqvist, 27 October 2017. - https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/219853.php
- Folic acid overview information –
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-1017-folic%20acid.aspx?activeingredientid=1017&activeingredientname=folic%20acid
- Folic acid in diet –
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002408.htm
- Don't Take Vitamins That Your Body Can Convert Properly –
https://methyl-life.com/dont-take-vitamin-supplements-that-your-body-cant-convert-properly/
- Signs & Symptoms of Having Too Much Folic Acid in Your Body, Erica Wickham, 3 October 2017 –
