Folic acid, is the synthetic form of folate, or B-9, which is part of the vitamin B group. This group of vitamins is essential for maintaining healthy body functions as well as boosting the immune and nervous systems. Folic acid is essential for all people, but certain conditions, including liver disease, increase your need for this vitamin.
Folic Acid
Folate is water-soluble, which means that the body does not store it. You need to obtain it from your diet or supplements. Folate, or folic acid, is needed for healthy tissue throughout your body including liver tissue. Liver disease increases the loss of folate, or folic acid, in the blood. Other conditions that increase the need for folic acid include pregnancy and breastfeeding, alcohol abuse and kidney dialysis. Folic acid supplements help prevent and treat low levels of folate in the blood, as well as the resulting complications including anemia and the inability for the intestines to properly absorb nutrients.
Sources
Folate is found in leafy greens such as spinach, broccoli and lettuce, as well as asparagus and okra. It is also found in high concentrations in bananas, melons and lemons. Beans, yeast, mushrooms and organ meats are also naturally high in folate. For juices, orange and tomato juice are excellent sources of folate. Many common foods, such as breads, pastas, rice, and ready-to-eat-cereals are fortified with folic acid.
Folic Acid Intake
There is no health risk associated with folate intake from food. The risk of toxicity from folic acid intake from supplements and/or fortified foods is also low. The body absorbs folic acid from vitamin supplements and fortified foods more easily than from naturally occurring food folate. The Institute of Medicine has established a tolerable upper intake level folic acid. Intakes above this level increase the risk of adverse health effects. The tolerable upper intake level of folic acid for adults over age 19 is 1000 micrograms daily.
Folic Acid and Liver Disease
If you have liver disease, your doctor can advise you on the amount of folic acid you should take daily. Medline Plus states that there is currently insufficient evidence to support the benefits of folic acid for treating liver disease or alcoholism, which is a common cause of liver disease. If you suffer from folic acid deficiency, liver disease or are an alcoholic, consult your doctor before increasing your intake of folic acid.
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