FOLIC ACID

FOLIC ACID

Folic acid is a B vitamin which is vital for the formation of red blood cells. The form of folic acid occurring naturally in food is called ‘folate’. Folate is a general term for the various forms of the B vitamin.

The parent form is folic acid. Vitamin B9 or folic acid, along with vitamin B12 is necessary for the formation of red blood cells. It is essential for the growth and division of all body cells for healing processes. It aids protein metabolism and helps prevent premature greying. Valuable sources of this vitamin are deep green leafy vegetables such as spinach, lettuce, brewers yeast, mushrooms, Beans and legumes,
Poultry, pork, shellfish and liver Wheat bran and other wholegrain foods, nuts,peanuts and liver. A deficiency can result in certain types of anaemia, serious skin disorders, loss of hair, impaired circulation, fatigue and mental depression.

The minimum daily requirement of this vitamin is 0.4 mg. To correct anaemia and deficiencies 5mg or more are needed daily. Some authorities believe that folic acid is contraindicated in leukemia and cancer.