Folic Acid

Folic acid is a member of the B-Complex family, and is also known as pteroyl glutamic acid.  Folic acid was first discovered in yeast from where it was dubbed the ‘anti-anaemia factor’.  It is unstable when in contact with heat, air, water and alkali, and therefore easily destroyed during cooking.

The Benefits of Folic Acid

Neutral tube defects – supplementation with 400mcg daily before conception and during the first twelve weeks of pregnancy has been shown to prevent neural tube defects such as Spina bifida.

Heart Disease – folic acid is required to keep homocysteine (an amino acid) levels in the blood from rising.  Excess homocysteine dramatically increases the risk of heart disease and may be linked to osteoporosis and strokes.

Lactation – helps to improve lactation.

Skin – promotes healthier skin and may also delay hair greying.

Digestive system – protects the body against intestinal parasites and also against food poisoning.

Anaemia – folic acid supplementation may improve anaemia.

Mood – it is required for the protection of S-adenosyl methionine (SAM), which affects and may improve mood.

Properties

Folic acid is essential for DNA synthesis, and works in the production of red blood cells.  It is extremely important for all women planning a pregnancy to take a 400mcg folic acid supplement daily from the start of trying to conceive until the 12^th week of pregnancy.

Contra-indications/Precautions

None reported.

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