How Is Folic Acid Used In The Human Body?

Folic acid is a water soluble B vitamin that all human beings need as part of a well-balanced and nutritious diet. In 1998, the Food and Drug Administration required that all enriched grain products include folic acid, which makes it easier for you to get what you need. Learning more about the role folic acid plays in your body, as well as how much you need and where to find it, may help improve your overall health.

Roles

Deoxyribonucleic acid, or DNA, is the molecular basis for life and survival. Your entire genetic makeup relies on the presence of DNA in your body. Folic acid is a crucial nutrient for the health and formation of your DNA, the Journal of the American Medical Association reports. Your body used folic acid to produce new cells, as well as to maintain already existing cells. Folic acid is also being studied for its potential in treating diseases like cancer and Alzheimer's, MayoClinic.com notes.

How Much

Everyone needs folic acid as part of a healthy diet, but the amount you need depends on your health and lifestyle. Most adults require 400 mcg of this essential B vitamin. If you drink alcohol on a regular basis you should increase your intake to 600 mcg per day, the Harvard School of Public Health reports. If you do not get enough folic acid from your diet, most over-the-counter supplements and vitamins provide 400 mcg per dose.

Pregnancy

Folic acid is perhaps most important if you are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant in the near future. The Harvard School of Public Health reports that folic acid is the most crucial in the few weeks immediately following conception, before you even know you are pregnant. KidsHealth also notes that women who consumed 400 mcg of folic acid before getting pregnant reduced their baby's risk of certain birth defects by 70 percent. Folic acid helps prevent birth defects involving the neural tube, including spina bifida and anencephaly.

Foods

Many foods are fortified with added folic acid, which makes it easier for you to get the amount you need for good health. Most brands of breakfast cereal, bread, pasta and rice are enriched with folic acid so they are healthy sources to include in your diet. Leafy green vegetables, such as spinach, lettuce and kale, are also nutritious folic acid foods. Avocados, oranges, asparagus and bananas are additional sources of this B vitamin.