Folic Acid

Breakfast Food Without Folic Acid

Folic acid is a manufactured form of the B vitamin folate. Although the two terms are used interchangeably, if you have a folic acid allergy, it’s important to recognize the difference. Folate is found naturally in some foods; folic acid is either added to foods as part of an enrichment process or is found in supplements or multivitamins. Breakfast foods that contain natural folate won't cause an allergic reaction, but foods enriched with folic acid can cause problems for some people.

All About Folic Acid

Can I Take Folic Acid With Lamotrigine?

If your doctor has you taking lamotrigine, you should ask him whether you will need to take supplemental folic acid if he does not mention the issue on his own. In some cases, lamotrigine may interfere with your body's normal f...

Difference Between Folic Acid & Leukovorin

You are probably familiar with folic acid, especially if you take a multivitamin. Leukovorin, on the other hand, is most likely another story. Even though it may be unknown, a direct connection exists between the B vitamin you ...

Can a Five Year Old Take Tums?

While some parents may be tempted to give their children regular adult-strength Tums, adult medication is rarely safe or appropriate for 5-year-old children. When giving your child Tums or other antacids, you must be sure that ...

Grapefruit and Folic Acid Taken Together

Folic acid is the synthetic form of a water-soluble B vitamin known as folate. This nutrient is necessary for the prevention of anemia during pregnancy. It helps build and maintain cells and is needed to create normal red blood...

Can I Take Garlic, Folic Acid & Goldenseal Together?

Certain supplements can make important contributions to your overall health at specific times in your life. Most healthy women of childbearing age, for example, can benefit from iron and folic acid supplementation. Supplements ...

Folic Acid & Emphysema

This condition, known as emphysema, results in permanent damage to the lungs. Your doctor will discuss treatments to help reduce your symptoms, which includes medications, supplemental oxygen or surgical procedures. Supplements...

Ritalin & Folic Acid

This central nervous system stimulant affects the chemical function in the brain and may benefit several disorders. If your doctor recommends Ritalin for you or a child, discuss the possible side effects and whether a nutrient ...

Can Lack of Folic Acid Cause CIN1?

The potential precursor to cervical cancer is cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, or CIN. A human papillomavirus, or HPV, infection may cause CIN and cervical cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute. Reducing the ...

The Effect of Folic Acid on Coumadin

Foods high in vitamin K, such as kale and spinach, can decrease the medication's effectiveness. You may also need to be careful about what vitamins you take on Coumadin. Taking the B vitamin folic acid while you are on Coumadin...

Does Oatmeal Always Have Folic Acid?

If you eat oatmeal you may–or may not–obtain folic acid, but you’re sure to get some folate. The amount of either one depends on the type of oatmeal. Folic acid and folate are two forms of the same B-complex v...

What Does a Folic Acid Deficiency Cause?

Folic acid is a synthetic form of vitamin B-9, a nutrient that occurs naturally in foods as folate. Your body uses B-9 in either form to manufacture red blood cells and promote normal nervous system development in fetuses. A po...

Does Folic Acid Aggravate the Gallbladder?

Folic acid is the synthetic form of folate, a water-soluble B vitamin. Like folate, folic acid helps in the formation of red blood cells, body tissue and genetic material such as DNA and RNA. While supplementing the diet with f...

Does Folic Acid Give You an Appetite?

Folic acid may be useful as an appetite enhancer; however, medical experts in the United States are a long ways from endorsing this B vitamin for this purpose. It is important to get enough folic acid to prevent anemia and for ...

What Does Lack of Folic Acid Cause?

Folic acid and folate are two equivalent forms of dietary vitamin B-9, which has several purposes in the human body, including the production of red blood cells. A balanced diet generally provides adequate folic acid from foods...

Tomato & Folic Acid

Since then, science has revealed tomatoes' antioxidants and other nutrients, including folate. Folate, the naturally occurring form of folic acid, is a B-complex vitamin. Different tomatoes offer different concentrations of fol...

Decreased Folic Acid Leading to Cleft Lip in Babies

Cleft lip is a birth defect that occurs when there is an incomplete closure of tissue around the lips and gums. Although genetics plays a role in determining risk for cleft lip, maternal intake of folic acid during pregnancy is...

What Is Folic Acid Essential For?

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 fo...

Does Folic Acid Cause Lung Cancer?

Folic acid is an important B vitamin that is recommended for women, especially those who are pregnant, to help prevent certain types of birth defects. Folic acid is found in foods such as broccoli, spinach and lettuce. Folic ac...

Folic Acid & the Brain

They help to convert your food into ready energy, and they play a key role in metabolizing proteins and fats. There are eight total B-complex vitamins, each with individual functions in addition to B-complex duties. Vitamin B-9...

Can Folic Acid Help Improve Your Mood?

One of the vitamins in green leafy vegetables, folic acid, is needed for proper brain function and also plays a role in emotional well-being. Folic acid is part of the B-complex vitamins that not only help prevent mood disorder...

Does Folic Acid Help the Liver?

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 aci...

Does Folic Acid Help Reduce Cholesterol?

Folic acid is a possible means of treating high cholesterol, according to a study published in a 2009 issue of “Journal Studies on Alcohol and Drugs.” Folic acid also helps your body convert carbohydrates into blood...

Factors That Affect Folic Acid

Your body needs folic acid and folate, two equivalent forms of vitamin B-9, to enable cell division and red blood cell formation. A diet that includes too few green vegetables, beans and other vitamin-rich sources may affect yo...

Does Folic Acid Affect Hair?

Although some B vitamins such as vitamins B-1 and B-2 work to support hair growth, folic acid does not. However, a lack of folic acid can strip the hair of its color, causing it to gray prematurely.

How Gluten Affects Folic Acid

When this damage occurs, it inhibits your body's ability to absorb nutrients contained in the foods you eat. It's actually common for newly diagnosed celiacs to be deficient in several important vitamins, including folic acid. ...

A Rapid Heart Rate and Folic Acid

Taking too much folic acid won’t cause health problems in most circumstances. Not getting enough from your diet, however, might create cardiovascular conditions that change your heart rate, breathing and other normal body...

Does Folic Acid Make Your Blood Pressure Drop?

Taking folic acid has been associated with lower blood pressure, according to a study published in a 2001 issue of “Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology.” Folic acid is a water-soluble B vitamin that h...

Blood Sugar and Folic Acid

To keep blood sugar levels in a healthy range, it may help to change your diet and take supplements like folic acid. Folic acid isn't a cure for diabetes, but it could be a beneficial tool to use as part of your overall treatme...

Folic Acid & Irregular Heartbeat

Low body levels of folic acid, also known as vitamin B-9 or dietary folate, can create debilitating health symptoms, including a change in heart rate. Folic acid nutrition supports your cardiovascular system by helping to form ...

Oats & Folic Acid

Your brain function, mental health, energy synthesis and nervous system functions all depend on folic acid, also known as vitamin B9. Oats are a good source of this important nutrient. While regular oats contain folate, the nat...

Folic Acid & Chemotherapy

Folic acid, also called folate and vitamin B9, is a vitamin essential to red blood cell production. Many people receiving chemotherapy for cancer experience drops in their folic acid levels and blood counts due to the effect of...

Which Vegetables Have Folic Acid?

Folic acid, or vitamin B-9, is important for your health. The nutrient helps your cells to break down nutrients from the foods you eat, aids in the embryonic development of the nervous system and contributes to the production o...

Is It Okay to Take Metformin & Folic Acid?

You need to consume a regular amount of folic acid per day to prevent folic acid anemia or folic acid deficiency. The prescription drug metformin is mainly prescribed to people with Type 2 diabetes, and it is safe to take along...

Does Folic Acid Help With Mood?

Nutritional factors can also influence your mood and affect your overall feelings of well-being. Certain nutrients, like folic acid, may help improve your mood and even fight certain disorders like depression. Consult your doct...

Can Folic Acid Help Regulate My Period?

Folic acid, one of the B complex vitamins, is essential to health and especially important for women to take during their reproductive years. Folic acid is not proven to help regulate menstruation or lighten heavy menstrual ble...

Folic Acid & Neurotransmitters

Folic acid, also known as folate and vitamin B-9, is a member of the B-complex family of vitamins that helps your body convert carbohydrates into glucose, the fuel your body burns to produce energy. Folic acid is water-soluble ...

Does Folic Acid Help With Energy Levels?

You can get folate from whole foods or its synthetic counterpart, folic acid, from fortified foods, such as some cereals. An important function of folate and folic acid in the body is red blood cell formation. Adequate supplies...

Bioactive Folic Acid & Depression

While certain treatments, such as medication and psychotherapy, as well as lifestyle changes such as exercise and following a proper diet, can offer some relief from symptoms of depression, limited research has shown that the b...

Can Folic Acid Cause Dry Eyes?

Folic acid, a nutrient also commonly referred to as vitamin B-9 or folate, helps your body produce cells as well as maintain the health of those cells. If you have low levels of folic acid in your system, your doctor may recomm...

Where Can Folic Acid Be Found?

Dietary supplements often contain folic acid, the synthetic form of folate. Since 1998, United States law has required food manufacturers to add folic acid to most enriched grain products, including flours, cornmeal, pasta, ric...

Orange Juice Fortified With Folic Acid

The need for folic acid in your diet, especially in women of child-bearing age, has been emphasized over the years by the March of Dimes in its attempts to help prevent neural tube birth defects. Many foods have been fortified ...

Brain Inflammation & Folic Acid

You may have heard recommendations for pregnant women to consume foods high in folic acid, such as orange juice, spinach and fortified breakfast cereals, to help development of the unborn child’s brain. However, folic aci...

What Causes an Excess of Folic Acid in My Body?

Folic acid is a water-soluble vitamin, which means your body does not store it. It is nearly impossible to develop an excess of this vitamin in your body by eating foods rich in it; however, if you consume folic acid supplement...

Does Orange Juice Give You Folic Acid?

Folic acid is the synthetic form of folate, a B-complex vitamin that is also known as B-9. The terms “folic acid” and “folate” are used interchangeably, since they refer to the same nutrient. Orange juic...

Can Folic Acid Make Eyes Swell?

Folic acid, also known as folate or B9, helps your body create new cells, an important component in the development and growth of a fetus during pregnancy. You also need folic acid to metabolize certain compounds. Foods and sup...

Metformin & Folic Acid

Folic acid, or folate, is a water-soluble B vitamin found in both synthetic and natural form. Dietary sources of folate include cereals, leafy vegetables, bananas, melons and legumes. Folate helps lower your risk of developing ...

The Risk of Too Much Folic Acid

Folic acid is a member of the B-complex family of vitamins. Because your body does not make folic acid and many foods do not contain it naturally, many manufacturers have started to add folic acid to foods, or your physician ma...

Folic Acid & Asacol

One particular gastrointestinal disorder with no known etiology is called ulcerative colitis. The disease causes unpleasant symptoms including unpredictable bouts of painful diarrhea and abdominal discomfort. Two drugs used to ...

Will Folic Acid Cause Drowsiness?

Folic acid is the synthetic folate -- vitamin B-9 -- in dietary supplements. The nutrient is water-soluble. Any amount your body does not immediately use gets flushed out with your urine. Regularly eating foods that provide fol...

Folic Acid & SSRIs

Folic acid, also known as folate or vitamin B-9, is a water-soluble B vitamin, meaning that the body will not store it. Therefore sources must come from the diet or from supplements. Research demonstrates a positive relationshi...

The Daily Allowance of Folic Acid

Many dietary supplements and fortified foods contain added folic acid, the synthetic form of the B vitamin known as folate. Folate plays an essential role in DNA and RNA production, red blood cell formation and homocysteine met...

Raw Spinach & Folic Acid

Folic acid is one of the most discussed vitamins in the health and medical industry. It remains in the limelight thanks to its importance to prenatal care and proper functioning of biological pathways. Fresh, raw spinach is a...

Does Folic Acid Improve Kidney Function?

Folic acid is a form of folate, the B vitamin commonly found in fortified foods and supplements. You can use this nutrient to address a folate deficiency in your diet and treat or prevent several other conditions. While folic a...

Folic Acid & Moods

Alcoholism, substance abuse, physical illness and certain personality traits increase the risk of mood disorders. Treatment generally involves psychotherapy and medications. Certain supplements such as folic acid may also manag...

Rash From Folic Acid

Overdosing on medications is a common cause of skin rashes and hives because the body attempts to secrete some of the toxic metabolites through the skin, which causes irritation. Skin rashes from too much folic acid supplementa...

Can a Non-Pregnant Woman Have Too Much Folic Acid?

Folic acid, which is found in dietary supplements, is the synthetic form of a B vitamin called folate. Folate is very important during pregnancy because an adequate intake is associated with a significantly decreased risk of ne...

Does Folic Acid Help Women That Have PCOS?

Other conditions associated with PCOS include excessive hair growth, acne, weight gain and cysts in the ovaries, as well as increased risk of metabolic disorder, Type 2 diabetes and endometrial cancer. Although some research in...

What Are the Dangers of Synthetic Folic Acid?

Folic acid is the synthetic form of the B vitamin folate, naturally found in many fruits and vegetables. Your body can absorb folic acid more easily than folate, making it a better choice for dietary supplements. Foods fortifie...

Does Folic Acid Give You Energy?

B vitamins work together to promote health. A deficiency in one or more B vitamins may result in adverse health effects. Unless you have a clinical deficiency, there is no evidence that folic acid alone will improve your energy...

How to Improve Absorption of Folic Acid

Folic acid supplements are given to pregnant women to reduce the likelihood of a neural-tube defect in their unborn children. Women are encouraged to take a vitamin with folic acid before becoming pregnant, but doctors recommen...

Does the Lack of Folic Acid Interrupt Urinating?

Folic acid is used by the cells to perform various important functions. Also called vitamin B-9, this vitamin is plentiful in leafy green vegetables, lima beans, white beans, kidney beans, peas and fruits. Cereal and grain prod...

Dilantin and Folic Acid

Phenytoin, available as the brand Dilantin, is a prescription anticonvulsant medication. Although you might not think that vitamins can cause problems when taken with medicine, Dilantin and folic acid have important interaction...

Can a Person Have Too Much Folic Acid?

Folic acid is the manufactured form of folate, available as a supplement. It is an important supplement for women who are pregnant or trying to get pregnant, although everyone needs folate. It is a water-soluble B vitamin that ...

Are Multivitamins With Folic Acid Bad?

Folate, a B vitamin, plays an important role in red blood cell production, DNA and RNA production and homocysteine metabolism. Many dietary supplements and fortified foods contain folic acid, the synthetic form of folate. While...

Velveeta Cheese and Folic Acid

Folic acid is a B vitamin that is essential for good health. It also plays an important role in reducing the risk of pregnant women having babies with a certain type of birth defect. Because folic acid is so important, many foo...

Is Folic Acid Harmful?

Too much folic acid may be harmful, especially in those with a known disease or a family history of disease. However, in a healthy person, folic acid can maintain the quality of cellular DNA. For pregnant women or those of chil...

Folic Acid Hazards

Folic acid, also known as vitamin B-9, is vital for many aspects of your health, including brain function and red blood cell production. It is essential that you get enough folic acid every day, but ingesting too much or too li...

Folic Acid and HDL

Folic acid is a type of water-soluble B vitamin available in a variety of foods, from produce to red meat. Getting adequate folic acid in your diet may help improve cholesterol by raising your levels of high-density lipoprotein...

How to Boost Iron and Folic Acid

Iron and folic acid are both vital to human life. Without adequate levels of iron in the body, hemoglobin production is disrupted and red blood cells become unable to carry oxygen to tissues in the body. This condition, called ...

Folic Acid & Cancer Growth

The growth of cancer cells is usually out of control, which leads to tumors in the body. Cancer can develop in any part of your body. Common causes of cancer include smoking, exposure to radiation, excessive exposure to sunligh...

Why Would an Adult Male Need Folic Acid?

Folate and its synthetic form, folic acid, are water-soluble B vitamins. Folate occurs naturally in legumes, citrus fruits and green, leafy vegetables, and folic acid is added to fortified foods and dietary supplements. Folic a...

Foot Drop From Folic Acid Deficiency

Folic acid is a water-soluble vitamin, or a vitamin which dissolves in water. Any amount that the cells do not use will be eliminated in your urine, so you need to constantly replenish your supply. The vitamin is vital for red ...

Folic Acid & Prozac

Folic acid, or folate, is an essential B vitamin provided by foods such as green leafy vegetables, legumes, citrus fruits and fortified bread. Folic acid is also available in dietary supplements. According to MedlinePlus, folic...

Miscarriage & Folic Acid

Folic acid, also referred to as folate, is an essential B vitamin. Foods containing folic acid are a critical part of a healthy diet because the human body cannot synthesize folate. Folate plays an important role in the body, a...

The Impact of Folic Acid Deficiency on Pregnancy

Folic acid is the synthetic form of folate, or vitamin B-9. Folate plays a role in DNA synthesis and the creation and division of red blood cells, which are especially important during pregnancy. Because of this, folic acid nee...

Folic Acid and Blood Pressure in Men

Folic acid, or vitamin B-9, has become relatively well known for its ability to dramatically reduce the incidence of neural tube defects in newborns, which is why it is recommended for women wanting to conceive. However, folic ...

Does Taking Too Much Folic Acid Make Your Skin Dry?

Folic acid is a water-soluble vitamin, which means your body gets rid of what it does not use through your urine. However, if you take this vitamin as a supplement, it is possible to overdose, which can cause skin problems and ...

Folic Acid and Spinach

Spinach contains no folic acid, but it does contain 58 mcg of folate. Folate, or vitamin B-9, is found naturally in many fruits and vegetables. Folic acid is the synthetic version of folate. It is manufactured for use in supple...

Folic Acid & Niacin for Oral Lichen Planus

Exposure to chemicals, dyes and medications may increase your risk for oral lichen planus. Folic acid deficiencies may also increase your risk. A lack of niacin may cause tongue irritation, but not specifically oral lichen plan...

Is it Safe to Take Folic Acid?

Folic acid is the synthetic form of the B vitamin called folate. Taking folic acid supplements is usually safe. However, some people may have adverse reactions to the supplements, especially if they take too much. Although the ...

Folic Acid and B Vitamins for Lynch Syndrome

About 3 percent of colon cancers are linked to Lynch syndrome, according to the Mayo Clinic website. Although the B vitamins are important to your health, there's very little evidence to suggest that folic acid or any of the B ...

Folic Acid & Eczema

Vitamins such as folic acid can affect the health of many different organs, including your skin. Eczema is an immunological problem that manifests with skin symptoms. Folic acid may be able to relieve some of the symptoms of ec...

The Classification of Folic Acid Drugs

Folic acid, also called vitamin B-9 or folate, is a critical nutrient for pregnant women, as it is needed for the healthy development of the spine in the fetus. However, like other B vitamins, folic acid also helps the body met...

Interaction Between Folic Acid & Zinc

Found in every cell in your body, zinc plays an important role in maintaining your overall health. Researchers have varying opinions of the interaction between folic acid and zinc, with previous research suggesting high folic a...

Why Take Folic Acid Before Getting Pregnant?

One major early step you can take to prevent serious birth defects is to get the right amount of a B vitamin called folate. Since you may have trouble getting enough folate from diet alone, your doctor will likely recommend tha...

Folic Acid for Preemies

Folic acid, or vitamin B-9, is essential for the formation of red blood cells, healthy metabolism and cellular division, especially during the initial weeks of fetal development. Researchers have known for many years that suppl...

Salmon & Folic Acid

Folic acid, or folate, is a nutrient especially important for pregnant women because it helps the body form new healthy cells. The Institute of Medicine recommends adults consume 400 mcg of folic acid per day, while pregnant wo...

Safety Limits on Folic Acid Supplements

Folic acid is an essential B vitamin. Because it is water soluble, you need to consume folic acid in small amounts every day. It is especially important for pregnant women and women who may become pregnant because it helps prev...

Consequences of Folic Acid Depletion

Folic acid is the synthetic form of vitamin B-9. In its natural form it is referred to as folate. It's water soluble, which means that when you consume large dosages of it, any amounts that are not needed for immediate use by y...

Ginger & Folic Acid

Ginger and folic acid have different sources and different uses. Folic acid is a vitamin, while ginger is a root used as a seasoning or for medicinal purposes. However, used properly, each is a valuable part of a healthy lifest...

Does Folic Acid Help My Immune System?

Folic acid is beneficial to your immune system. According to a review published in "Progress in Food & Nutrition Science" in 1991, folic acid deficiency has a negative effect on your body's immune response. Folic acid is a wate...

Facts About Folic Acid

Folic acid is the chemical name for the manmade form of vitamin B-9. The naturally occurring form of vitamin B-9 is called folate. Despite the distinction between the terms folic acid and folate, many people use these terms int...

Folic Acid & Metabolism

Folic acid is also known as vitamin B-9. It is a water-soluble vitamin necessary for normal metabolism. Metabolism describes how chemicals are changed in the body. Two branches of metabolism include the breakdown, or catabolism...

How Much Folic Acid for Kidney Failure?

Moreover, since patients often have varying abilities to make urine, it is hard to make generalizations about their abilities to excrete water-soluble vitamins. Fortunately, there are reliable guidelines about how much folic ac...

Folic Acid and Constipation

According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, folic acid is the synthetic form of folate, or B-9, one of the B-complex vitamins. The Linus Pauling Institute notes that folic acid exists naturally, but indicates that it is rar...

Upper Limits for Folic Acid Intake

Folic acid is the synthetic form of vitamin B9, or folate. Your body requires vitamin B9 to manufacture new cells, making this micronutrient an essential cofactor in red blood cell production. Vitamin B9 is also critically impo...

Is Folic Acid Good for a Cancer Patient?

Folic acid is one of the B vitamins essential for proper body functioning and overall health. Adequate folic acid intake can protect against neural tube defects in newborns and possibly reduce the risk of certain cancers. Howe...

Nutritional Sources of Folic Acid

Folic acid refers to the synthetic form of folate, an essential B vitamin that occurs naturally in legumes and other foods. Folic acid, which is the form found in supplements and added to fortified foods, is water-soluble. Acco...

Folic Acid in Children

Pregnant women take folic acid, or vitamin B-9, to reduce the risk of birth defects. In particular, folic acid helps prevent spina bifida and anencephaly. But, folic acid may also help prevent a number of conditions in growing ...

Folic Acid & Birth Control for Mild Dysplasia

As with other types of cancers, regular screenings are essential for detecting dysplasia and other reproductive abnormalities. Cervical dysplasia can be prevented -- although not necessarily treated -- by making sure you get en...

Folic Acid for Blood Pressure

Research suggests that folic acid plays some role in helping to regulate blood pressure. Folic acid is the water-soluble, synthetic version of vitamin B-9. Like all B vitamins, folic acid helps your body turn food into energy. ...

Convulsions From Folic Acid Deficiency

A variety of different health conditions can cause seizures. A lack of folic acid in your body can cause convulsions. In addition, medications that are used to treat convulsions can cause folic acid deficiencies.

Folic Acid in Juice Plus

One daily serving of Juice Plus supplements meets 195 percent of your daily folic acid needs.

Gout and Folic Acid

A gout attack can cause intense pain and discomfort in the affected joint. Diet plays a major role in controlling gout. Although scientific evidence is limited and contradictory, some research indicates that folic acid may help...

Folic Acid & Milk

Folic acid, also known as folate, is a B vitamin essential for good health. Because it is a water-soluble vitamin, your body does not store it in your tissues and therefore you must consume it in your diet every day. The recomm...

The Effect of Folic Acid on the Lungs

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. Foli...

How Quickly Can You Increase Your Folic Acid Levels?

If you suffer from anemia, are pregnant or are planning a pregnancy, the dietary nutrient folic acid is especially important to your health. Folic acid, also called folate and vitamin B-9, is essential to red blood cell and nor...

Folic Acid & Shingles

Anyone who's had chickenpox is susceptible to developing shingles, since the same virus is responsible for both conditions. While treatment often relies on prescription medications, some people turn to self-care measures to rel...

Folic Acid & OCD

Obsessive-compulsive disorder, or OCD, can cause excessive anxiety and fear. Although vitamins play a role in your overall physical health and mental well-being, there is no evidence that folic acid helps in the prevention or t...

Reactions to Folic Acid

Folic acid, also called folate, is one of the vitamins in the B complex. In general, this nutrient family facilitates physical growth and cognitive development. The B vitamins are also essential for metabolism, helping your bod...

Why Would Your B-12 Be Low & Your Folic Acid Also?

Vitamins B-12 and B-9, the second of which is also known as folic acid, are members of the B-vitamin complex. Both vitamins affect the synthesis of DNA and the regulation of cellular metabolism. They are also related in other w...

Will a High Dose of Folic Acid Cause Gynecomastia?

Boys and men can develop enlarged breasts, a condition called gynecomastia, which can involve one or both breasts. If both breasts are affected, one can be larger than the other. This condition can develop for a variety of reas...

Required Folic Acid Intake

Folate is a water-soluble B vitamin that occurs naturally in food. Folic acid is the man-made form available in supplements and added to fortified foods. Folic acid helps maintain new cells in the body, especially during period...

Folic Acid & Keppra

Developing fetuses are vulnerable, and a shortage of vital nutrients during pregnancy can lead to serious medical complications. In particular, pregnant women are urged to get plenty of folic acid to reduce the chance of birth ...

Folic Acid & Zinc

Zinc is essential for the metabolism of carbohydrates, fat and proteins and the normal functioning of the immune system. It is also required for wound healing, fertility and reproduction. Folic acid is vital for cell function a...

Folic Acid Toxicity

Folic acid is the synthesized version folate, one of the eight B vitamins. It maintains normal biochemical functions in your body, including the production of new cells that form DNA or that make red blood cells. Folic acid als...

Folic Acid & Lymphoma

These cancers affect the lymphatic system. Like various other types of cancers, certain alternative therapies may show some potential in treating or preventing lymphoma. Taking folic acid supplements is not a standard or custom...

When to Start Taking Folic Acid

Regardless of age or gender, everyone needs folic acid. If you are planning to become pregnant or are pregnant, however, taking folic acid is essential to your health and the future health of your baby. The appropriate dosage o...

What Does a Lack of Folic Acid Do?

Folic acid, which is the synthetic version of folate, is also called vitamin B-9, which the body needs to function and develop properly. It helps with cellular and tissue growth, the formation of red blood cells and with the pr...

Folic Acid & Headaches

the B vitamin folic acid is the synthetic form of folate. It may be found in many fortified, grain-based food products, such as cereals, grains and breads. Neither a deficiency nor an overdose of folic acid typically result in ...

How to Get Folic Acid Naturally

Folic acid, also known as folate, is one of the B vitamins. The Office of Dietary Supplements recommends 400 micrograms, or ug, per day for adults, 600 for pregnant women and 500 for lactating women. You can get the vitamin in ...

Can I Take Folic Acid Instead of Prenatal Pills?

Everyone needs folic acid, but it's especially important if you're a woman who's pregnant or may become pregnant. If you don't get sufficient folic acid in the first 28 days after conception, your baby is at a higher risk of ha...

Folic Acid and Strokes

Folic acid belongs to the B family of vitamins and is required by the body for the proper functioning of the cardiovascular, neurological and reproductive systems. Scientific research indicates that supplementing with folic aci...

How Much Folic Acid Is Recommended in Prenatal Vitamins?

Folic acid is a manmade version of folate, a B vitamin that helps your body produce healthy cells. Folic acid is so important to a growing baby that your doctor will likely recommend you take it in a prenatal vitamin if you're ...

Folic Acid Intake When Pregnant

All women of childbearing age should take folic acid daily, according to the American Pregnancy Association. Most prenatal vitamins contain folic acid, and they can be taken both during and after pregnancy. If you plan to becom...

How Does Folic Acid Affect Humans Health?

Folic acid is a synthetic form of folate, which is a B vitamin found in foods such as beans and green, leafy vegetables. The body cannot absorb or use folate as efficiently as it can process folic acid. Vitamin supplements cont...

Folic Acid Deficiency in Babies

Folic acid, also called folate or vitamin B-9, is part of the B-complex of vitamins and plays many different roles in your body. Folic acid is a water-soluble vitamin that helps synthesize DNA and aids in normal growth of cells...

Niacin & Folic Acid

Niacin and folic acid are part of the vitamin B-complex that cannot be stored in your body. Your body needs niacin for metabolism, the formation of DNA and the normal functioning of the nervous system and skin. Folic acid is ne...

Folic Acid for Babies

Folic acid, also known as folate or B9, is a B vitamin that helps the body produce new cells and ensures proper functioning of DNA. It is available in a variety of foods, but it is also available through supplementation. Folic ...

Daily Intake of Folic Acid for a Pregnant Woman

Increased amounts of certain nutrients that play a special role in the healthy development of the baby are required during pregnancy. Folic acid, also referred to as folate, is one vitamin that is particularly important in preg...

High Dosage of Folic Acid & Depression

A common illness, depression affects more than 20 million Americans, according to MedlinePlus. Fortunately, antidepressants drugs and psychotherapy can help most people with this condition. Folic acid might also help to allevia...

Should Men Drink Folic Acid?

The benefits of folic acid during pregnancy is clear but many men don't know that folic acid is just as important for them. While most people don't normally drink their folic acid, it can be consumed via many different fruit dr...

Folic Acid for Thinning Hair

While most of the people who are suffering from this problem are older, age and genetics may not be the only reason your hair is thinning. It has been shown that folic acid plays an important role in the growth of hair, and, th...

Folic Acid & Autism

The causes of autism remain a mystery, but research is shedding light on factors that may play roles in the development of this condition. While folic acid is necessary for health, there are questions as to whether too much of ...

Hair Growth & Folic Acid

It is a popular belief that hair thinning is only linked to age and genetics but it has been shown that diet can also play an important role in the health of your hair. A lack of folic acid in your diet may lead to hair thinnin...

Folic Acid & Calcium

Your body needs vitamins and minerals for normal growth and development. Folic acid, or folate, is vital for cell function and tissue growth. For example, it helps your body make red blood cells, allowing oxygen to be carried t...

Macrocytosis B-12 and Folic Acid

A lack of certain vitamins and minerals, including folic acid and vitamin B-12 can make it hard for your body to produce red blood cells, resulting in anemia. Anemias due to a lack of folate or B-12 can cause certain characteri...

Folic Acid in One's Diet

Folic acid cannot be made by your body, so it must be obtained from your diet on a daily basis. Most people in the U.S. consume enough folic acid because it is found in a wide range of foods. However, pregnant women, breastfeed...

Is Folic Acid Good for Immunity?

The B-complex vitamin folate occurs naturally in food, and a synthetic form called folic acid is available in supplements. The nutrient is important for the function of certain white blood cells, which are major components of t...

Is Folic Acid Safe for Seniors?

Folic acid, also known as folacin, folate or vitamin B-9, is a member of the B complex family. Like many B vitamins, folic acid works best when it cooperates with other nutrients, especially vitamin B-12. Folate plays a vital r...

Folic Acid & Acne Rosacea

Vitamins play an important role in maintaining the health of all of the tissues in your body, including your skin. Folic acid is a B vitamin, and some experts recommend using it to treat skin conditions such as acne rosacea. Ho...

Folic Acid & Neural Tube Defects

Folic acid is the synthetic form of folate, an important B vitamin that contributes to proper DNA formation. The National Institutes of Health notes that folic acid is essential for the formation and maintenance of new cells an...

The Risks of Low Folic Acid

Folic acid, sometimes called vitamin B-9, is an essential nutrient for your body to synthesize new genetic material, or DNA and RNA, as well as for proper metabolism. Natural food sources of folic acid include spinach, asparagu...

B-12 & Folic Acid Test

Vitamin B-12 and folic acid are B vitamins that work together to form red blood cells. Red blood cells deliver oxygen throughout the body, and anemia is a condition characterized by inadequate healthy red blood cells. Because ...

Does Folic Acid Help Your Hair Grow?

Like the rest of your body, healthy hair relies on adequate amounts of nutrition from a healthy diet. Folic acid, also known as vitamin B9, is part of the B-complex group of vitamins. Although this vitamin does not promote new ...

Folic Acid in a Child's Body

Folic acid, also known as folate, is one of the B vitamins --- vitamin B-9. B vitamins play an important role in many body functions, including metabolizing protein and fat and maintaining a healthy nervous system as well as a ...

Bleeding Disorders & Folic Acid

Individuals with bleeding disorders lack these substances, which can be dangerous and lead to medical problems. There are treatments for these conditions, but some individuals may want to consider taking folic acid as a supplem...

Why Does a Baby Need Folic Acid?

Folic acid, the manmade form of folate, is a vitamin that helps the body produce healthy new cells, according to WomensHealth.gov. If you're pregnant or trying to get pregnant, one of the most significant ways you can lower you...

Folic Acid and the Nervous System

Folic acid, also known as vitamin B-9, is essential for nervous system development in a fetus. Babies born to women who don't receive enough folic acid may experience serious birth defects. Eating foods high in folate or taking...

Can Folic Acid Cause a Headache?

Folic acid plays crucial roles in metabolism and other body processes. You need folic acid daily for proper function, and you can consume folic acid-rich foods such as oranges, spinach and lentils. If you are at risk for a defi...

Role of Folic Acid in Bones

Folic acid is one of the B-complex vitamins. It also goes by the name of folate or pteroylglutamic acid. This water-soluble vitamin plays an important role in supporting healthy tissues and bones. Adequate amounts of folic acid...

Should I Take Iron With Folic Acid?

Folic acid and iron are two micronutrients needed in small quantities daily. Folic acid is also known as vitamin B-9. It helps in the synthesis of DNA and the normal growth of cells. Iron is an inorganic mineral that also plays...

Folic Acid and Alcohol Withdrawal

Folic acid is a B-complex vitamin, a water-soluble vitamin primarily found in fortified foods and vitamin supplements. It is not a vitamin inherently found in most foods, and your body does not manufacture it. Folic acid is a ...

Folic Acid With Methotrexate in Psoriasis

Methotrexate, a medication that inhibits the growth and division of rapidly proliferating cells, is often administered to psoriasis patients with severe skin involvement or arthritis. Since methotrexate interferes with the acti...

Can I Get Too Much Folic Acid and Vitamin B?

There is no one vitamin B, but instead a group of B-complex vitamins. Folic acid, also known as folate, belongs to this group. Many of these water-soluble vitamins are nontoxic, which means that taking high doses should have no...

Why Is Folic Acid Important to Our Bodies?

Folic acid is a B vitamin. Other names for it include folate, folacin and vitamin B-9. You can obtain it from grains, beans, fortified breakfast cereals, green vegetables, beans and pasta. If your dietary intake of folic acid i...

Folic Acid's Effect on Blood Vessels

Vitamin B-9 exists in several chemical forms -- the synthetic form found in vitamin supplements and fortified foods known as folic acid and the form found naturally in foods known as folate. Your body can use either form. One r...

Folic Acid & Vitamin E

Vitamins have many important roles in the body and are essential for normal growth and development. Your body needs folic acid for tissue growth and cell function. This vitamin also helps form DNA and oxygen-carrying red blood ...

Folic Acid & Broccoli

Folic acid is a synthetic form of folate, a B vitamin naturally present in leafy, green vegetables, citrus fruits and dried beans and peas. Folate and folic acid play essential roles in cell formation and growth, DNA and RNA pr...

What Is the Difference in Folic Acid & Iron?

Folic acid and iron are both nutrients that play important roles in red blood cell production. Folic acid is the synthetic form of folate, a B vitamin found in leafy green vegetables, citrus fruits and legumes. Iron is an essen...

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 ma...

Folic Acid Supplement and its Liver Benefits

Vitamin deficiencies can occur for a variety of reasons and may cause numerous side effects. Vitamin B-9, also known as folic acid, or folate, is a water-soluble vitamin that provides several benefits, including supporting the ...

Is it Medically OK to Take Folic Acid & Calcium Together?

You may wish to take many different vitamins and minerals in the form of supplements. Some multivitamins contain both folic acid and calcium. There's no reason that you shouldn't take these two micronutrients at the same time, ...

Can Folic Acid Be Absorbed While Taking Tegretol?

Tegretol is also used to treat bipolar disorder and trigeminal neuralgia, a condition that causes facial nerve pain. Tegretol decreases abnormal brain activity that cause seizures. Tegretol affects the absorption of folic acid.

Folic Acid in Raw Vs. Cooked Cauliflower

Your body requires folic acid for a number of critical metabolic and developmental processes. Folic acid was first found to prevent anemia in children and adults. More recently, folic acid has been linked to a variety of cancer...

Do Flintstones Vitamins Have Folic Acid?

This brand of multivitamin does provide adequate amounts of folic acid for your growing child. If you decide to give her a Flintstones multivitamin, talk with your pediatrician first to avoid any adverse reactions or problems w...

Natural Vs. Synthetic Folic Acid

Folate, also known as folacin, and folic acid are different forms of the same vitamin. According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, the name comes from "follium," which is the Latin word for leaf. Folate is the natural form ...

Fish Oil & Folic Acid Bipolar Diet

Lithium, benzodiazepines and atypical anti-psychotics are standard prescription medication to manage symptoms. Changes in lifestyle can stop behavioral habits that worsen your symptoms such as smoking, drinking and stressful ac...

Folic Acid and Bipolar Disorder

While certain types of therapy and medication can help manage symptoms, some people prefer to try natural or alternative remedies to avoid the negative side effects of medication. Bipolar patients often have low levels of folat...

Importance of Folic Acid

Folic acid is essential for the development of the brain and nervous system. It aids in the production RNA and DNA, the body's genetic material. It is also especially important when cells and tissues are growing rapidly such as...

Folic Acid and Fatigue

Fatigue is one symptom of a folic acid deficiency. However, folic acid supplements are not typically used to treat fatigue due to other causes. It is part of the B complex, and the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietar...

Garlic, Hawthorn and Folic Acid

Garlic, hawthorn and folic acid form a health-boosting triad representing the categories of culinary, herbal and vitamin support. As a group, these three natural substances may offer particular benefits for heart health and pre...

How Does Low Folic Acid Affect the Body?

Folic acid is the synthetic form of folate. Folate is a B vitamin that helps to produce and maintain cells in your body. During periods of rapid cell growth such as in infants or during pregnancy, folic acid is an important sup...

Excess of Folic Acid

Folate, a water-soluble B vitamin, plays an essential role in cell formation and DNA and RNA production. Many fortified cereals and grain products contain folic acid, a synthetic form of folate. Folic acid supplements provide a...

The Advantages of Folic Acid

Folate is a B vitamin you can obtain from foods such as leafy green vegetables, fruits and dried beans and peas. A synthetic form of folate called folic acid is available in supplements and added to fortified grain products. Me...

Dosages & Dangers of Folic Acid

Folic acid gets plenty of press as a nutrient necessary for proper prenatal development. But sometimes people who aren't pregnant, and even some of those who are, wonder whether there is such as thing as too much folic acid and...

Folic Acid & Bacteria

People need folic acid to make DNA and normal red blood cells, and the growing fetus must have it for the proper development of the nervous system. Bacteria must also have folic acid so they can carry out important functions wi...

Folic Acid, Alcohol & Breast Cancer

Daily alcohol consumption has been linked to the disease as a possible risk factor, and folic acid may help mitigate this risk. Before taking folic acid supplements, talk with your oncologist about your drinking and whether sup...

Folic Acid and Rheumatoid Arthritis

Methotrexate is one such medication commonly used to treat symptoms and slow down the progression of the disease and damage to your joints. Methotrexate can have highly toxic side effects; it has been shown that supplementation...

How Much Folic Acid Should People Consume Daily?

Folic acid is a synthetic form of folate, or vitamin B-9. You need B vitamins for a healthy metabolism, brain, nervous system, skin, hair, eyes and liver. Your body does not store vitamin B-9, so you must get it each day from d...

Folic Acid & Nocardia

The most common nocardial disease is pneumonia, which is treated by antibacterial drugs that inhibit the bacteria's ability to produce folic acid and reproduce. Folic acid can also be used by the host to reduce the side effects...

Is a Mega-Dose of Folic Acid Harmless?

Folic acid is essential for DNA synthesis, and, along with vitamins B-6 and B-12, converts homocysteine to methionine. High homocysteine levels have been associated with diseases of the heart, as well as stroke, dementia and Al...

Malabsorption of Folic Acid

Many diseases can cause malabsorption of food and lead to low folic acid levels. This is especially important for women, who need folic acid for a healthy reproductive system and to support fetal development. If you believe you...

How Much Folic Acid Should a Woman Take Daily?

Folic acid, also known as folacin or folate, is a water-soluble B vitamin that gets flushed from the body on a daily basis. For this reason, it is crucial that the body's level of folic acid gets restored regularly as it is res...

Folic Acid & Renal Disease

Renal disease that requires kidney dialysis may increase your need for folic acid, a nutrient that plays an important role in the overall health of your cells and organs.

Folic Acid & Magnesium

Folic acid and magnesium are nutrients that are essential to overall good health. Folic acid, also referred to as folate or vitamin B9, belongs to a group of nutrients called water-soluble vitamins. Magnesium belongs to a group...

Folic Acid and Cataracts

It is believed that eating green leafy vegetables, fruits and other foods with antioxidants might help prevent this condition. One of the vitamins in green leafy vegetables, folic acid, shows particular promise for fighting eye...

Folic Acid Problems

Folic acid helps with fetal development and may even keep your heart healthy. The natural form of folic acid, folate, occurs in foods such as leafy vegetables. It's water-soluble, so the body simply removes any excess folate fr...

What Do Phosphorus & Folic Acid Have in Common?

Phosphorus and folic acid are two nutrients essential to the proper functioning of the human body. Phosphorus is a trace mineral that plays a role in the function of many enzymes involved in metabolic processes. It also plays a...

Do I Absorb Folic Acid While I Take Lamictal?

Lamictal is also used in patients with bipolar disease. Lamictal works by decreasing abnormal activities in the brain. If you are a woman of childbearing age, your doctor may advise you to increase folic acid intake while you a...

Folic Acid & L-Cysteine

Folic acid, also known as vitamin B-9, vitamin Bc or folacin is a form of vitamin B-9 required by your body for several essential functions. L-cysteine is a sulfur amino acid required by your body for the production of glutathi...

Folic Acid for Liver Damage

Chronic liver disease can damage your liver and affect your ability to process nutrients, medicines and hormones. Proper nutrition and vitamin supplementation, including taking folic acid, may help improve your overall health a...

Does Cooking Destroy Folic Acid?

Folic acid is an important B vitamin found in a variety of foods, including fortified foods. It is water soluble, meaning your body uses what it needs and gets rid of any extra through your urine. While you may be selecting foo...

Does Folic Acid Contribute to Acid Reflux?

Folic acid -- also known as folate and as vitamin B-9 -- is a vitamin you need to help maintain normal cellular function. While you need it all the time, it's of particular importance during pregnancy, and pregnant women genera...