Folic acid (Folate, Folacin) is a B vitamin that helps the body produce and maintain new cells. Folic acid is the synthetic form of folate found in dietary supplements. Information on the uses, benefits, and side effects of folic acid. Supplementation of folic acid is highly recommended for people taking the drug methotrexate.

Folic acid is a type of B vitamin. It is water-soluble, which means it cannot be stored in the body. Water-soluble vitamins dissolve in water. Leftover amounts of the vitamin leave the body through the urine. That means you need a continuous supply of the vitamin in your diet.

Alternative Names

Vitamin B9; Folate in diet; Diet - folic acid; Diet - folate; Pteroylglutamic acid

Function

Folic acid 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 helps produce DNA, the building block of the human body, which carries genetic information.

Folic acid also 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.

Folic acid supplements may also be used to treat folic acid deficiency, certain menstrual problems, and leg ulcers.

Food Sources

Folate occurs naturally in the following foods:

Beans and legumes
Citrus fruits and juices
Wheat bran and other whole grains
Dark green leafy vegetables
Poultry, pork, shellfish
Liver
(Folic acid is the man-made form of folate found in supplements.)

Side Effects

Folic acid deficiency may cause poor growth, gray hair, swollen tongue (glossitis), mouth ulcers, peptic ulcer, and diarrhea. It may also lead to certain types of anemias.

Too much folic acid usually doesn't cause harm, because the vitamin is regularly removed from the body through urine.

Recommendations

The best way to get the daily requirement of essential vitamins is to eat a balanced diet that contains a variety of foods from the food guide pyramid. Most people in the United States have an adequate dietary intake of folic acid because it is plentiful in the food supply.

There is good evidence 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 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid every day. Pregnant women need even higher levels of folic acid. Ask your health care provider which amount is best for you.

The Food and Nutrition Board at the Institute of Medicine recommends the following dietary intake for folate:

Infants

0 - 6 months: 65 mcg/day
7 - 12 months: 80 mcg/day
Children

1 - 3 years: 150 mcg/day
4 - 8 years: 200 mcg/day
9 - 13 years: 300 mcg/day
Adolescents and Adults

Males age 14 and older: 400 mcg/day
Females age 14 - 50: 400 mcg/day plus 400 mcg/day from supplements or fortified foods
Females age 50 and over: 400 mcg/day
Specific recommendations depend on age, gender, and other factors (such as pregnancy). Many foods are now fortified with folic acid to help prevent birth defects.

The best way to get the daily requirement of essential vitamins is to eat a balanced diet that contains a variety of foods from the food guide pyramid.


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