Folic Acid

It is estimated that 20-35% of people have a genetic polymorphism, which inhibits them from converting folate into its active form called 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF).  People who have this polymorphism are more susceptible to develop diseases related to poor methylation.  These diseases include heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s, dementia, reproductive cancers, colon cancer, cancer in general, osteoporosis, cervical dysplasia (abnormal pap smear), depression and neural tube defects (spina bifida).  If you have a family history of any of the above diseases it is recommended that you take the active form of folic acid.

Both children and adults require the nutrients from folic acid to help with healthy red blood cell production to help fight against anemia. Folic acid is usually found in green leafy vegetables but may also be found in some cereals and bread. A deficiency in folate, which is uncommon in some areas of the world, can lead to health problems including neural tube defects in a developing fetus, macrocytic anemia, diarrhea, nerve damage, pregnancy complications, mental depression, irritability, heart palpitations, headaches, peptic or mouth ulcers, swollen tongue, cognitive declines, mental confusion, as well as in severe cases cancer development.

These symptoms can be varying depending on the depth and the degree of the deficiency and should be immediately seen too and diagnosed as soon as possible before severe reactions may be experienced.

WHY FOLIC ACID IS IMPORTANT FOR PREGNANCY?

Folic acid is vitally important in pregnancy for a number of different reasons. Adequate amounts of this B vitamin are required in the preconception period before a woman falls pregnant. The reason for this is because folate has been clinically proven to help protect against a number of problematic congenital malformations which include neural tube defects. Neural tube defects are one of the most common and more notable birth defects which can occur from a deficiency in folate. When a developing fetus is exposed to low levels of folate and neural tube defects arise it can cause malformations of the baby’s skull, spine, and brain which are sometimes classed as anencephaly and spina bifida. When a folate supplement is taken before conception the chances of malformation risks decrease.

Women who supplement folic acid when pregnant may also help to reduce cleft lip formation, urinary tract anomalies, limb defects, and serious congenital heart defects. Women who are folate deficient during pregnancy may have a higher risk of low infant birth weight, preterm delivery, fetal growth defects, and birthing complications.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF FOLIC ACID?

There are many benefits of folic acid that can help a person in everyday life. Some of these benefits include:
•    Red blood cell production
•    Low birth defects
•    Lowers blood pressure levels
•    Regulates mood
•    Reduces the risk of anemia
•    Reduces heart disease
•    Helps B12 absorption
•    Reduces depression
•    Reduces cancer risks

In today’s world, like other B vitamins, folic acid is an important supplement that may not be absorbed well due to low intake of vegetables in the diet. Eating a fresh meal of green leafy vegetables can help to increase your folate levels for increased health and overall wellbeing.

RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS:

Folic Acid 800 mcg 90 caps by PhysioLogics: 
Folic Acid 800 mcg 90 caps by PhysioLogics is a special dietary supplement which is able to help in promoting increased levels of folate within the body when a deficiency occurs. Folate is an important B vitamin which is especially known to help women conceive while also helping to prevent and reduce the risks of birth defects including the most common defect spine bifida. Designed with safe ingredients, this health supplement is ideal for women before and during their pregnancy. This product is also suitable for men and woman who have been diagnosed with folic acid deficiency and need a quality supplement that can help to improve levels within the body.

Folic Acid 800 mcg 60 vcaps by Pure Encapsulations
Folic Acid 800 mcg 60 vcaps by Pure Encapsulations is a high quality and reliable folic acid supplement which can help to reduce the risk of birth defects in pregnant women and can help to increase the levels for proper blood cell production in people who may be deficient. Folic acid works with B12 and other vitamins to help produce red blood cells. Without it, it can cause anemia and in pregnant woman can cause birth defects, complications, and other serious concerns. This folate supplement is designed to be sensitive on the stomach and is also safe for pregnant women without the addition of any additives.

FolaPro 800 mcg 60 or 120 tabs by Metagenics
Folapro 800 mcg by Metagenics is L-5-Methyltetrahydrofolate the active form of folic acid.  This is the best form for people with genetic predisposition for disorders of faulty methylation.