Folic acid is a B-vitamin important for normal cell division, especially during the early stages of gestation within the womb. Folic acid has been proven to reduce the risks of some birth defects, which is primarily why some brands of milk are fortified with it. Folic acid is considered to mix well with milk, which contains other important nutrients such as vitamin D and calcium.
Properties of Folic Acid
The National Institutes of Health recommend that adults intake at least 400 micrograms of folic acid daily, although that amount increases to 500 micrograms for lactating women and 600 micrograms for pregnant women. Folic acid is especially important within the initial 12 weeks after conception and doctors recommend women start paying attention to their intake levels prior to attempting conception instead of after they realize they are pregnant. Drinking fortified milk is a nutritious way to supplement with folic acid, both for pregnant women and growing children.
Recommendations
The National Institutes of Health recommend that adults intake at least 400 micrograms of folic acid daily, although that amount increases to 500 micrograms for lactating women and 600 micrograms for pregnant women. Folic acid is especially important within the initial 12 weeks after conception, and doctors recommend women start paying attention to their intake levels prior to attempting conception instead of after they realize they are pregnant. Drinking fortified milk is a nutritious way to supplement with folic acid, both for pregnant women and growing children.
Fortified Milk
Folic acid, as folate, is found within some fruits, green leafy vegetables, beans, legumes and some meats, although it may be difficult for some to get enough of it from dietary sources, according to "Contemporary Nutrition." There are some foods fortified with folic acid, such as breakfast cereals, bread and milk. Cow's milk normally contains little folic acid, about 10 to 12 micrograms per 8 oz. glass. Fortified brands are clearly labeled as such and can contain 10 times more folic acid. Other types of milk fortified with folic acid include soy milk and goat's milk.
Research on Fortified Milk
A Dutch study published in a 2005 edition of the "European Journal of Clinical Nutrition" investigated whether cow's milk fortified with folic acid enhances the folate status of people. The researchers found that both untreated and pasteurized milk fortified with folic acid substantially increased blood folate levels while decreasing plasma homocysteine concentrations in young, healthy subjects. They concluded that cow's milk is a suitable matrix for folic acid fortification.
References
- "Biochemical, Physiological and Molecular Aspects of Human Nutrition"; Martha Stipanuk; 2006
- National Institutes of Health: Office of Dietary Supplements: Folic Acid Fact Sheet
- "Contemporary Nutrition"; Gordon M. Wardlaw; 2010
- "European Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; Bioavailability of folic acid from fortified pasteurised and UHT-treated milk in humans; R.J. de Jong et al; June 2005
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