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Folic acid in diet

Folic acid; Polyglutamyl folacin; Pteroylmonoglutamate; Folate

 

Folic acid is a type of B vitamin. It is the man-made (synthetic) form of folate that is found in supplements and added to fortified foods.

Folate is a generic term for both naturally occurring folate found in foods and folic acid.

Folic acid is water-soluble. Leftover amounts of the vitamin leave the body through the urine. That means your body does not store folic acid and you need a regular supply of the vitamin in the foods you eat.

Function

 

Folate helps tissues grow and cells work. Taking the right amount of folic acid before and during pregnancy helps prevent certain birth defects, including spina bifida. Taking folic acid supplements before you get pregnant and during the first trimester can lower your chances of miscarriage.

Folate also helps prevent anemia.

Folate deficiency may cause:

  • Diarrhea
  • Gray hair
  • Mouth ulcers
  • Peptic ulcer
  • Poor growth
  • Swollen tongue ( glossitis )

It may also lead to certain types of anemias .

Folate works along with vitamin B12 and vitamin C to help the body break down, use, and create new proteins . The vitamin helps form red blood cells and produce DNA, the building block of the human body, which carries genetic information.

Folic acid supplements may also be used to treat lack of folic acid, some kinds of menstrual problems, and leg ulcers .

 

Food Sources

 

Folate occurs naturally in the following foods:

  • Dark green leafy vegetables
  • Dried beans and peas (legumes)
  • Citrus fruits and juices

Fortified means that vitamins have been added to the food. Many foods are now fortified with folic acid. Some of these are enriched breads, cereals, flours, cornmeals, pastas, rice, and other grain products.

 

Side Effects

 

Too much folic acid does not cause harm. The vitamin is regularly removed from the body through urine so excess does not buildup.

 

Recommendations

 

The best way to get the daily requirement of essential vitamins is to eat a wide variety of foods. Most people in the United States get enough folic acid in their diet because there is plenty in the food supply.

It appears that folic acid can help reduce the risk of certain birth defects (spina bifida and anencephaly ). Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should take at least 800 micrograms (mcg) of a folic acid supplement every day. Pregnant women need even higher levels of folic acid. Ask your health care provider which amount is best for you.

The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for vitamins reflects how much of each vitamin most people should get each day.

  • The RDA for vitamins may be used as goals for each person.
  • How much of each vitamin you need depends on your age and gender. Other factors, such as pregnancy and illnesses, are also important.

The Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine Recommended Intakes for Individuals - Daily Reference Intakes (DRIs) for folate:

Infants

  • 0 to 6 months: 65 mcg/day*
  • 7 to 12 months: 80 mcg/day*

*For infants from birth to 12 months, the Food and Nutrition Board established an Acceptable Intake (AI) for folate that is equivalent to the mean intake of folate in healthy, breastfed infants in the United States.

Children

  • 1 to 3 years: 150 mcg/day
  • 4 to 8 years: 200 mcg/day
  • 9 to 13 years: 300 mcg/day

Adolescents and Adults

  • Males age 14 and older: 400 mcg/day
  • Females age 14 and older: 400 mcg/day
  • Pregnant teens 14 to 18 years: 600 mcg/day
  • Pregnant females 19 and older: 500 mcg/day
  • Breastfeeding females 14 to 18 years: 600 mcg/day
  • Breastfeeding females 19 and older: 500 mcg/day

 

 

Open References

References

Institute of Medicine, Food and Nutrition Board. Dietary Reference Intakes: Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Vitamin B12, Pantothenic Acid, Biotin, and Choline. National Academy Press. Washington, DC, 1998. PMID: 23193625 www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23193625 .

Mason JB. Vitamins, trace minerals, and other micronutrients. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman's Cecil Medicine . 24th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2011:chap 225.

Salwen MJ. Vitamins and trace elements. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods . 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2011:chap 26.

 
  • Vitamin B9 benefits

    Vitamin B9 benefits - illustration

    Folate (folic acid) is necessary for the production of red blood cells and for the synthesis of DNA (which controls heredity and is used to guide the cell in its daily activities). Folic acid also helps with tissue growth and cell function. In addition, it helps to increase appetite when needed and stimulates the formation of digestive acids.

    Vitamin B9 benefits

    illustration

  • Vitamin B9 source

    Vitamin B9 source - illustration

    Women who are thinking of becoming pregnant or who are pregnant often require additional supplementation of folic acid. Adequate folic acid is important for pregnant women because it has been shown to prevent some kinds of birth defects, including neural tube defects such as spina bifida. Many foods are now fortified with folic acid to help prevent these kinds of serious birth defects.

    Vitamin B9 source

    illustration

    • Vitamin B9 benefits

      Vitamin B9 benefits - illustration

      Folate (folic acid) is necessary for the production of red blood cells and for the synthesis of DNA (which controls heredity and is used to guide the cell in its daily activities). Folic acid also helps with tissue growth and cell function. In addition, it helps to increase appetite when needed and stimulates the formation of digestive acids.

      Vitamin B9 benefits

      illustration

    • Vitamin B9 source

      Vitamin B9 source - illustration

      Women who are thinking of becoming pregnant or who are pregnant often require additional supplementation of folic acid. Adequate folic acid is important for pregnant women because it has been shown to prevent some kinds of birth defects, including neural tube defects such as spina bifida. Many foods are now fortified with folic acid to help prevent these kinds of serious birth defects.

      Vitamin B9 source

      illustration

    A Closer Look

     

    Self Care

     

    Tests for Folic acid in diet

     
     

    Review Date: 1/16/2015

    Reviewed By: Cynthia D. White, MD, fellow American College of obstetricians and gynecologists, group health cooperative, Bellevue, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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