Folic acid is a water-soluble vitamin found in leafy green vegetables, legumes, nuts, and fortified foods. It helps with the formation of healthy red blood cells. It is important for pregnant women and women of childbearing age because it helps form the neural tube of the baby. Folic acid can also help prevent major birth defects of the brain and spine. You need 400 micrograms (mcg) of folate per day to stay healthy.
How Does Folic Acid Work in the body?
It (vitamin B9) is essential for human health. In the body, it works as a coenzyme to synthesize two amino acids, methionine and cysteine.It also helps form the neural tube in the developing embryo and can prevent major birth defects of the brain and spine.
The body stores for about two years. If you do not get enough folate from your diet, the body will run short of it. The biggest source of folate is leafy green vegetables. Some fortified foods also contain folate.
How Do You Know When You’ve Reached Your Daily Needs of Folic Acid?
There is no set number of times a day that you need to consume this, as it depends on your individual needs. However, the Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) recommends at least 400 micrograms per day. So, if you are not consuming more than 400 micrograms per day, you are likely not reaching your daily needs. It is also important to remember that even if you are consuming the recommended amount of acid, and you have absorption issues, your body may not be able to use all of it resulting in a deficiency of this acid.
What are the Deficiency Symptoms of Folic Acid tablet?
- Birth defects in newborn babies
- Defects in cell division
- Poor nerve functions
- Lack of cognitive development
- Difficulty concentrating
- Megaloblastic anemia
- Fatigue
- Irregular heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
Conclusion
Folate is a vitamin found in leafy green vegetables and fruits, and it’s important for both pregnant women and adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), too few women are getting the recommended 400 micrograms of folate per day, which can lead to birth defects in their babies. If you’re worried that you may not be getting enough folate in your diet, make sure to include plenty of leafy greens and fruits in your meals along with a good quality folic acid tablets for supplement to your diet.
