Vitamin B9: Folic Acid

Vitamin B9: Folic Acid

Benefits: 1. PREVENTING BIRTH DEFECTS.
2. HELP PREVENT HEART DISEASE.
3. MAKING NEW CELLS.
4. PREVENTING CANCER.
5. PREVENTING DEPRESSION.

How it Works: Folic acid prevents birth defects, spina bifida, in that it is needed for rapidly dividing cells. Most people who have heart attacks have normal cholesterol levels. The problem is plaqueing of the arteries from too much homocystein which is caused from a lack of folic acid. Folic acid helps prevent both colon and cervical cancer. A study by the Massachusetts General Hospital, found that the most depressed patient's had the lowest levels of folic acid.

Sources: Good sources of folic acid are: dark green leafy vegetables ie. spinach, liver, orange juice, beans, avocados, and beets.

Recommendations: The recommended MINIMUM intake of folic acid is as follows. Infants to 6 months need a MINIMUM of 65 mcg/day. Infants 6 months to 1 year need a MINIMUM of 80 mcg/day. Children 1-3 years old need a MINIMUM of 150 mcg/day. Children 4-8 years old need a MINIMUM of 200 mcg/day. Children 9-13 years old need a MINIMUM of 300 mcg/day. People 14 and over need a MINIMUM of 400 mcg/day. Finally, pregnant women need a MINIMUM of 600 mcg/day.