What Are the Benefits of Taking Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid?

What Are the Benefits of Taking Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid?
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Vitamin B12, also called cobalamin and folic acid, also called vitamin B9, are part of the eight B group of complex vitamins. B vitamins are important for your body, providing a variety benefits such as producing energy for your body and keeping your hair, skin and eyes healthy.

Preventing Megaloblastic Anemia

According to the Mayo Clinic, low amounts of vitamin B12 in your body can result in megaloblastic anemia. If you suffer from this condition, your red blood cells will be large than normal, resulting in the ratio if nucleus size being increased as well. The cause of this condition a lack of vitamin B12 but it can be triggered by other causes. Take the standard approach of having continuous amounts of vitamin B12 in your daily diet.

Prevention of Breast Cancer

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, although there is no direct evidence related that shows vitamin B12 alone can reduce the risk of breast cancer, population studies conducted found that women who have more folate have a lower risk of suffering from breast cancer. Vitamin B12 works with folate in the body, helping to prevent breast cancer.

Preventing Cancer

Folic acid has been found to help to protect against the development of some kinds of cancers, mostly stomach, breast and pancreatic cancer. However, this evidence is based on population studies conducted, which found that those who have enough folic acid in their body have lower rates of these cancers, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Its not exactly known how folic acid helps to prevent cancer, but it is thought that folic acid keeps your DNA healthy and prevents mutations that be a result of cancer.

References

Article reviewed by Lynda Moultry Belcher Last updated on: Sep 28, 2010

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