Folic acid is the synthetic form of the vitamin folate, found naturally in foods. Folate is a B-vitamin present in high amounts in foods such as leafy green vegetables, citrus fruits and dried beans. Without enough folate or folic acid, children's bodies do not develop properly, women have a hard time getting or staying pregnant and a form of anemia develops over time. If you think you may be deficient in folic acid, see your doctor immediately.
DNA Synthesis
One of the ways folic acid is used in the body is for DNA synthesis. In fact, folic acid is crucial for many of the biochemical reactions involved in DNA production, according to health writer Jack Challem in his book, "Feed Your Genes Right." Folic acid can donate or accept one-carbon atoms and therefore plays a role in both DNA breakdown and repair. This can have a far-reaching impact on both your current and future health.
Infant Health
Folic acid is essential for the health and proper development of a baby from the moment of conception. According to Alan H. Pressman, Ph.D., and Sheila Buff in "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Vitamins and Minerals," folic acid is particularly important for the formation of the neural tube, which oversees brain and spine development. The recommended daily allowance of folic acid is 600 milligrams for pregnant women due to its importance to fetal development.
Reduction of Homocysteine Levels
Another reason folic acid is essential is that it helps reduce homocysteine levels. Homocysteine is an amino acid metabolized from another amino acid, methionine, according to Pressman and Buff. Too much homocysteine may damage the lining of the arteries, but folic acid breaks down homocysteine and helps shuttle it out of the body. Unfortunately, research has not shown that lowering homocysteine levels through folic acid supplementation lessens your chances of a heart attack.
Prevention of Anemia
Folic acid prevents a certain type of anemia, namely folic acid deficiency anemia. According to "Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide," this form of anemia is similar to vitamin B-12 deficiency anemia in that red blood cells become enlarged and there are fewer of them than normal. White blood cells often also have an abnormal appearance and decrease in number, and platelet levels may be diminished.
References
- "Feed Your Genes Right"; Jack Challem; 2005
- "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Vitamins and Minerals"; Alan H. Pressman, Sheila Buff; 2007
- "Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide"; Editor Anthony L. Komaroff, M.D.; 1999
- National Institutes of Health: Office of Dietary Supplements: Folate
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