Folic acid protects the lungs from cancer, according to a 2003 article in the "Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention." Folic acid is a type of water-soluble B vitamin that helps your body produce and maintain cells. Folic acid is particularly vital to embryonic development during pregnancy and infancy, the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements explains. Folic acid helps prevent changes to the DNA of your cells and lowers your overall risk of developing cancer.
Folic Acid Dose
The recommended daily dose of folic acid depends on age. Infants less than 6 months old need about 65 mcg of folic acid daily, MayoClinic.com says. Infants between 7 to 12 months old need about 80 mcg of folic acid daily. Between the ages of 1 and 3, children need daily doses of 150 mcg of folic acid. Children between 4 and 8 years of age need about 200 mcg of folic acid daily. Children between 9 and 13 years of age need about 300 mcg of folic acid daily. Males over the age of 14 need about 400 mcg of folic acid daily, while females of the same age range need about 500 mcg of folic acid. Adults over the age of 50 that take as little as 110 mcg of folic acid daily maintained strong lung function, according to a 2010 article in the "Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition."
Folic Acid and Lung Function
A 2010 case study published in the "Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition" that examined the relationship between folic acid intake and lung function discovered that folic acid is beneficial to overall lung function. The study involved adults between 50 and 75 years of age with different lifestyles and eating habits. The results showed an inverse relationship between folic acid intake and the incidence of breathlessness or diminished lung function. So taking the recommended daily dose of folic acid helps maintain your overall lung function.
Folic Acid and Lung Cancer
Folic acid intake lowers your risk of developing lung cancer, according to a 2003 article in the "Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention." There is an inverse relationship between folic acid intake and risk of developing lung cancer. Factors that affect the overall risk of lung cancer include family history of lung cancer, alcohol intake, cigarette smoking and dietary folic acid intake. People who have a healthy folic acid intake generally have a lower risk of developing lung cancer.
Dietary Sources
Spinach, broccoli and avocado contain folic acid, the Office of Dietary Supplements notes. Other sources of folic acid include peanuts, rice, lettuce and cantaloupe. Fruits such as papaya and bananas also have folic acid. Talk to your doctor or a nutritionist about the best way to obtain folic acid.
References
- "Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; Folate Intake Associated with Lung Function, Breathlessness and the Prevalence of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease; Hirayama F, et al.; 2010
- "Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention"; Dietary Folate Intake and Lung Cancer Risk in Former Smokers: A Case-Control Analysis; Shen H, et al.; October 2003
- Mayo Clinic; Folate (Folic Acid); July 2011
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Folate
Member Comments