Folate is a vitamin which the body uses in several important ways. It is also known as folic acid or folacin. It is considered a brain food, and is needed for energy production and the formation of red blood cells. It also strengthens the body's immune system by aiding in the proper formation and functioning of white blood cells.
Because it acts as a coenzyme in DNA and RNA synthesis, it is important for healthy cell division and replication. It plays a part in protein metabolism and has been used in the prevention and treatment of folic acid anemia. This nutrient may also help with depression and anxiety, and may also be effective in the treatment of uterine cervical dysplasia.
Folic acid may also be the most important nutrient in regulating homocysteine levels in the body. Homocysteine is an amino acid that is formed naturally in the body. High levels of homocysteine have been found to be associated with an increased risk of arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). Under normal conditions, it is converted to other, non-harmful amino acids in the body.
The body must have adequate levels of folic acid, as well as vitamins B6 and B12, in order for this conversion to take place as it should. These three important B vitamins have been shown to have an inverse relationship with homocysteine. In other words, the higher the levels of these vitamins, the lower the level of homocysteine in the body.
Folic acid is also very important during pregnancy, especially during the early stages. It helps to regulate embryonic and fetal nerve cell formation, which is vital for normal development. Studies have shown that a daily intake of 400 micrograms of folic acid in early pregnancy may prevent the vast majority of neural tube defects, such as spina bifida, and anencephaly.
It may also help to prevent premature birth. However, to be effective, this vitamin regimen must begin before conception, and continue for at least the first three months of pregnancy. Because critical developments occur within the first 6 weeks of pregnancy, before many women are aware that they have conceived, it is highly recommended that a vitamin regimen containing folic acid be started before the time of conception. In fact, many experts still recommend that all women of child-bearing age take a folic acid supplement daily as a matter of course. Folic acid works best when taken in combination with vitamin B12 and vitamin C.
During the mid 1990s, the government began to require that all enriched grain products be fortified with folic acid. This was an attempt to reduce the amount of these types of defects. As a side note, since this program has started, there has been a significant decrease in stroke related deaths as well, and this appears to be directly related to a decline in the homocysteine levels in the population as a whole.
A sore, red tongue is one sign of a deficiency of folic acid. Other possible signs include, anemia, apathy, digestive disturbances, fatigue, graying hair, growth impairment, insomnia, and birth defects in one's offspring. A deficiency of folic acid may be caused by inadequate consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, the consumption of only cooked or microwaved vegetables (cooking destroys folate), and malabsorption problems.
The foods which contain significant amounts of folic acid are asparagus, barley, beef, bran, brewer's yeast, brown rice, cheese, chicken, dates, green leafy vegetables, lamb, legumes, lentils, liver, milk, mushrooms, oranges, split peas, pork, root vegetables, salmon, tuna, wheat germ, whole grains and whole wheat.
Oral contraceptives may increase the body's need for folic acid. Alcohol can also work against folate consumption.
Do not take high doses of folic acid for extended periods of time if you have a hormone-related cancer or seizure disorder.
This information is not intended to diagnose or treat any specific condition, nor is it intended to replace the advice of your healthcare professional.
Sources
Balch, Phyllis A., CNC. "Prescription for Nutritional Healing". Garden City, NY.: Avery Publishing Group, 2006
Ritchason, Jack, ND. "The Little Herb Encyclopedia". Pleasant Grove, UT.: Woodland Health Books, 1995
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