Vitamin B9 - Folic Acid

Folic acid (also known as vitamin B9, folacin or folate) is one of the many B vitamins. It is found in a lot of fruits, whole grains, beans, vegetables and even breakfast cereals that are fortified. The main aid we get from this vitamin stands in a helping hand in maintaining and building DNA while also helping in the creation of new red blood cells.

Low folic acid levels can lead to serious problems. It has been linked by several studies with some cancer forms and different possible birth defects. On the other hand we do not know if high levels of vitamin B9 can lower the risks found in some people when talking about cancer. We also do not know exactly how much folic acid needs to be consumed in order to help us out. To make everything even more difficult, high dosage of folic acid will have a negative impact on chemotherapy drugs. As you can see, the entire topic is quite difficult to handle. What we can do is make sure that folic acid is included in our diets properly and that our nutrition plan stays high quality. In fact, most possible problems that we are faced with in our lives are linked with vitamin deficiencies.

Folic acid is especially important when dealing with pregnant women. It has been proven that it will reduce birth defects associated with the neural tube. The two most common problems that can be avoided stand in anencephaly and spina bifida. Folic acid can even aid in preventing some types of heart disease.

At the moment folic acid is actually considered safe and a dietary nutrient that is necessary. We must keep in mind that we are talking about a water soluble vitamin. This basically means that excess folic acid ends up eliminated naturally by our body through urine. The problem is that folic acid overdose is possible and it can cause quite some problems. Trouble sleeping and stomach upsets are very common in people that take in too much vitamin B9. Sometimes folic acid will mask vitamin B12 deficiencies. This happens because the anemia that is linked with vitamin B12 is corrected thanks to folic acid. The problem stands in the fact that low B12 levels will bring in damage in your nervous system. Folic acid does not correct this and the masking of the symptoms can lead to an improper diagnosis. To make it even worse, high folate doses will lead to even more serious damage.

It is very important that you talk to your doctor in the event that you want to supplement your daily nutrition plan with folic acid. A good relationship with a specialist can lead to the best course of action. Keep in mind that folic acid is every important for pregnant women. Supplementation with vitamin B9 usually starts even before the women becomes pregnant and continues even after the child is born. You should also be aware of the fact that most multi vitamin supplements out there will include folic acid due to the important aspects it brings in day to day living. We recommend that you only buy special supplements that contain just folic acid under doctor supervision. For most of us there will be no problems with this nutrient because adequate quantities are included in most of the foods we eat daily. Unfortunately deficiencies can appear and it is highly important that you deal with them as soon as they appear. At the end of the day a good nutrition plan that includes all nutrients will aid you much more than you can imagine. Folic acid is available in most vitamin supplements you take and especially in prenatal vitamins.