Any compound that has vitamin like activity similar to folic acid may be referred to as folate as well. Folic acid is from the latin word foliage as folic acid was originally found in green leafy veggies.
Folic acid is essential for DNA and RNA synthesis. DNA and RNA are the genetic material in cells of the body. Folic acid or folate is vital in the growth and reproduction of all body cells, maintenance of the genetic code and regulating the division of cells in the body. It also contributes in the transferring of inherited characteristics from one cell to another.
Most mother's are familiar with folic acid and folate as it is drilled in to our heads from day one of pre-pregnancy and during pregnancy to take those big giant horse pill pre-natal vitamins. There is nothing better than trying to swallow one of those beasts when all you really want to do is hurl from morning sickness! UGH!! Just the same though folic acid helps support a healthy pregnancy. It also helps prevent birth defects such as spina bifida (failure of the spinal column to close) and anencephaly (failure of the brain to develop). I say bring on the horse pills!
Folate and/or folic acid can be found in chicken, those damned ol' black eyed peas (inside joke), beef liver, spinach, navy beans, lima beans, peas, cos lettuce , OJ and papaya.
The recommended daily allowances are 400 mcg and 600 mcg for pregos! Folic acid is the type of folate usually found in supplement form and fortified foods. The most active form of folate is folinic acid and is also found is some supplements.
One other thing of interest is folic acid is best absorbed in the area of the intestine just beyond the stomach. If your multi-vitamin doesn't dissolve in about an hour after you take it the folic acid absorbed may be inadequate as it might just pass on through!
Show up and make it count!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment