The Benefits Of Folic Acid Can Be Seen Throughout The Body, As It Helps To Form DNA

The benefits of folic acid, or vitamin B9, can not be overemphasized. It helps promote good health at the cellular level, affecting absolutely every system in the body. Because it is essential to the formation of DNA and RNA, the very building blocks of life, it is the key to developing properly and living healthy.

Folic acid is not only necessary for producing energy and maintaining a healthy immune system, it is also an important factor in the healthy development of a variety of cells, including skin, blood and intestinal cells. It helps to form the DNA and RNA in our genes, and therefore folic acid deficiency can lead to devastating developmental problems, particularly in growing fetuses. For this reason it especially critical that all women, whether pregnant, nursing or having the potential of becoming pregnant, maintain a proper level of folic acid. For many, this necessitates the use of folic acid supplements.

While the benefits of folic acid are most apparent for developing fetuses, recent research has also linked ingesting the proper daily amount to reduction of cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer’s and the prevention of colon cancer. In pregnant women, maintaining a proper level of folic acid is critical to preventing various neural tube defects including Spina Bifida. Since most neural development in fetuses takes place within the first six weeks of pregnancy, it is imperative that pregnant women begin taking nutritional supplements as early as possible.

In adults, the main result of folic acid deficiency is anemia, as folic acid helps to maintain the development of red and white blood cells. Without a proper amount, adults may suffer the symptoms of anemia which include fatigue, weakness, headaches and irregular heartbeat. It is recommended that most adults, particularly women, get 400 micrograms of folic acid per day and that pregnant women get an extra 400 micrograms per day. This will generally involve the use of folic acid supplements depending on the individual.

There are many natural sources of folic acid, including beef and chicken liver, broccoli, chard, collards and romaine lettuce. Though all of these are good natural sources, the best by far is spinach. The benefits of folic acid can also be derived from a variety of fruits including cantaloupe, bananas and oranges. Because it is so very important, the FDA now requires folic acid fortification for all breads, flours, corn meal, rice, noodles, pasta and other grain products.

Though there are many good natural sources of folic acid, it may still be necessary for most individuals to use a dietary supplement in order to ensure that they are getting the proper daily amount. Since folic acid is a water soluble nutrient, most of us only absorb about half the amount that we eat. Add in the fact that folic acid can be easily destroyed during processing, microwaving and cooking and reheating, and the need to bolster our intake to avoid folic acid deficiency is even greater.

Since research shows that folic acid is most effective when combined with other nutrients, particularly vitamins B12 and C, using a complex dietary supplement which contains all the necessary nutrients makes even more sense. Vitamin C in particular helps to bolster the benefits of folic acid by preventing it from being broken down too quickly in your body. As every supplement will not work the same for every person, be sure to read the label carefully on any supplement you are considering and don’t hesitate to ask your doctor if you have any questions.

Life begins with DNA, and folic acid is the key to making sure that DNA forms properly. Eat a balanced diet, get proper exercise and take a daily dietary supplement which contains the proper dose of folic acid and you’ll be helping to improve your life from the bottom up.

Find out more about the benefits of folic acid

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