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- Scientific Support
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- It is abundantly clear that an adequate intake of
folic acid is essential during pregnancy. Overwhelming evidence is available to show women
given folic acid supplements during pregnancy have a lower incidence of delivering babies
with neural tube birth defects such as spinal bifida. Oral contraceptives ("the
pill") have been associated with lower folate levels in women who conceived soon
after they stop taking the pill. In some cases, former contraceptive users and women who
have delivered babies with neural tube defects may especially benefit from supplemental
levels of folate in their diets
The U.S. Department of Health recommends that pregnant women (and those trying to
conceive) should take a daily folic acid supplement of 400 mcg (0.4mg). The U.S. Public
Health Service recommends that all women of childbearing age consume the same amount of
folic acid each day to decrease the risk of having a pregnancy affected by a neural tube
defect (just in case). Three strategies are available to women to achieve this goal: eat
more foods with naturally occurring folate (fruits/veggies); eat foods fortified with
folic acid; or use dietary supplements.
Despite the wide-ranging public health benefits of adequate folic acid intake and the
widespread public awareness of these benefits, as many as 68-87% of American women of
childbearing age still have folic acid intakes below the recommended 400 micrograms per
day. Elderly populations are also thought to be at increased risk for folate deficiencies
– which may exacerbate the risk associated with heart disease, cancer and
neurological impairments which are more prevalent in this population. Several recent
studies have suggested that folate supplementation should be considered in elderly people,
especially those with elevated plasma total homocysteine levels and cardiovascular
disease, as well as in those individuals who experience neuropsychiatric disorders.
Because of the possibility for high dose folate supplements to mask the symptoms of
vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) deficiencies (which are also common in the elderly), folic acid supplements should be given in conjunction with
B12.
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-
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- Deficiency
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- The symptoms of Folic acid deficiency include anemia,
birth defects, tongue soreness, gastrointestinal disorders, growth disorders, fatigue,
poor memory, and megaloblastic anemia. Megaloblastic anemia is a disease characterized by
abnormal forms of the precursor cells of red blood cells.
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- Folic Acid
Could Ease Risk of Alcohol-Related Illness
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- According to a 16
year research study conducted by the Harvard School of Health, heavy
alcohol consumption combined with low folate intake, could increase
women's risk for cardiovascular disease and cancer. The heaviest
alcohol drinkers had a nearly 36% higher risk compared to those whom
abstained from alcohol and got at least 400 mg of Folate. Researchers
also concluded that the increased risks associated with heavy drinking
was reduced among women with higher folate intake.
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Product Recommendations |
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- Vitamin B-12 1,000 mcg Cobalamin
Concentrate with 400 mcg Folic Acid. Yeast Free
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- Beef
- Liver
- 500 tab.
- $12.99
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- 29 grains of Defatted Beef Liver. Fortify
with extra B-12 (blood builder) iron, folic acid, copper, entire B-complex and essential
vitamins, minerals make this beef liver an excellent source of amino acids
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- Folic Acid
- 100 Tab.
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Each tablet provides: 800 mcg of Folic Acid.
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Iron Complex contains 25
mg Hematinic Iron with vitamins & trace minerals. 1 capsules provides: 20 mg. vitamin
C, 1 mg. B-1, 1 mg. B-2, 10 mg. Niacin, 1 mg. B-6, 30 mcg. Folic acid, 15 mcg. B-12, 25 mg
Iron, 0.1 mg. Copper, 1 mg. Manganese.
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