Folic acid, or vitamin B9, is responsible for the synthesis of DNA and RNA, is used for the treatment of anemia and is useful for pregnant women as it reduces the risk of malformations in the fetus. Find out when and how to take it, what are the benefits and what are the contraindications.
Folic acid, or folate, is a water-soluble B vitamin, also known as Vitamin B9. Useful in growth processes, it reduces the risk of malformations in fetuses. Let's find out better.
> Where is it
> Contraindications of folic acid
3D structure of a folic acid molecule
What is folic acid used for
L'folic acid intervenes in the synthesis of nucleic acids DNA and RNA and therefore in all DNA repair and synthesis reactions and in the processes of growth and cell division. Helps reduce the risk of malformations congenital in children and adults is essential for a better use of iron. Together with vitamins B6 and B12 it is involved in homocysteine ​​metabolism.
Where is folic acid found
It is contained in green leafy vegetables, legumes, walnuts, asparagus, tomatoes, yeast, eggs and offal.
Calabash, or bottle gourd, is also rich in B vitamins and folic acid. It can be synthesized by the intestinal bacterial flora, when the latter is in good condition. Folic acid is absorbed in the small intestine and stored in the liver and erythrocytes (red blood cells).
A balanced diet ensures the need for this vitamin. The RDA (recommended daily dose) is 400 µm per day, which increases in pregnancy and in subjects with liver disease.
A folic acid deficiency causes amegaloblastic anemia in children and adults. In the diet of pregnant women supplementation with folic acid is routine as it prevents abnormalities in the development of the fetus such as neural tube defects (eg. spina bifida).
They lead to a folic acid deficiency: drugs, alcohol and prolonged diarrhea.
Folic acid deficiency is often accompanied by a vitamin B12 deficiency, as the metabolisms of the two vitamins are linked.
You can learn more about all the causes and natural remedies for anemia
Controindicazioni
In case of excessive doses of folic acid these are not absorbed as they are eliminated in the urine, therefore presenting a low toxicity.
READ MORE
The properties and benefits of peanuts, rich in folic acid
Other articles on folic acid:
> The importance of folic acid in pregnancy
> Vitamin B12 and folic acid
> Folic acid and foods
> Folic acid against hair loss and white hair
> Vitamin B12 deficiency: symptoms and consequences
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