Dedicated to all Woman and Families

INTRODUCTION

What is Folic Acid?

Even a 3^rd student can answer – It is one of the B-Complex factors. Even a layman or a lady can answer it is a vitamin available in the dietary sources, which people have learnt from Social media and Newspapers.

Detailed study of Folic Acid

Folic acid is a synthetical form of folate, which is a naturally occurring B- Vitamin. Folic helps to make DNA and other genetic materials and important in prenatal health.

Folic acid is a Vitamin B9 factor present in natural foods, manufactured in Vitamin supplements and fortified foods.

FUNCTIONS OF FOLIC ACID

Folate is essential for a range of functions in our body.

• It helps in the manufacturing of New healthy Red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout our body. Deficiency of Folic acid can cause “ANAEMIA”, leading to FATIGUE, WEAKNESS AND PALE COMPLEXION. The anaemia caused due to the deficiency of Folic acid is called “FOLATE DEFICIENCY ANAEMIA”.
• It is vital for the synthesis and repair of DNA and other genetic materials necessary for Cell Division.
• In modern days lots of importance is given to Folic acid during pregnancy because folate deficiency can lead to “NEURAL TUBE DEFECTS” (Defects in the formation of Spinal Cord in the baby – Spina bifida). Anencephaly – Absence of the formation of the upper part of the Brain. Folate deficiency can cause depression. It is common in a Socio-Economically low population because of nutritional deficiency. Modern medical professionals insist on giving Folic acid to teenage females, premarital, pre-conceptional females, and pregnancy.

• During pregnancy, Folic acid supplements, especially during early pregnancy, prescribed all over the globe.
• Folic acid can reduce babies from developing Autism.

DOSAGE

1. For women health – 400 to 800 micrograms per day.
2. Woman with a family history of Spina bifida and Anencephaly – 4000 micrograms per day.

Note: People who have Type II Diabetes, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Celiac disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome should consult their family doctor before taking Folic acid.

SOURCES OF FOLIC ACID

Folic acid available in food supplements

• Bread
• Cereals
• Grains

High Folate foods

• Beef Liver
• Boiled Spinach
• Asparagus
• Black Peas
• Lettuce
• Avocado
• Broccoli
• Mustard Green
• All Beans
• Roasted Peanuts
• Fruits like Oranges, Grapes, Bananas, Papayas
• Hard-boiled eggs

* FOR MORE INFORMATION AND CLARIFICATIONS AND SOLUTIONS ASK YOUR FAMILY DOCTOR FOR ADVICE.

Learn about FATTY FEMALE – FORTY written by Dr R. Nirmala

Do follow our Instagram and Facebook for more updates