FOLIC ACID

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folate is absolutely essential for healthy bones, for a healthy pregnancy, and for the metabolism of proteins, as it forms part of the vital transport coenzymes that control amino acid metabolism
necessary for the growth and division of all cells in the body and for the production of RNA and DNA, the nucleic acids that carry hereditary patterns
folate helps to prevent breakage of DNA which is probably a key step in the cancer process
folate may be able to turn precancerous conditions of the lung and cervix around
essential for the formation of RBCs
folic acid must be present in adequate amounts for iron to initiate hemoglobin synthesis
aids in protein metabolism and contributes to normal growth
essential for the healing process
helps build antibodies to prevent and heal infections
essential for the health of hair and skin
helps prevent premature graying of hair
long been used in the treatment of atherosclerosis, circulation problems, anemia, radiation injuries and burns, in the treatment of sprue, a tropical nutritional disease, anemia and acute diarrhea

RDA is 200 mcg.
a deficiency of folic acid inhibits the growth of new cells, especially the rapidly dividing ones (eg. blood and muscle cells)
a deficiency of folic acid can cause a type of anemia (megaloblastic), with early symptoms of fatigue, loss of appetite, pallor, and inflammation of the tongue, a tell-tale sign.
other symptoms include: serious skin disorders, loss of hair, impaired circulation, a grayish-brown skin pigmentation, depression, reproductive disorders (spontaneous abortions, difficult labor, and high infant death rate), and loss of libido in males
most frequently the victims of folate deficiency are alcoholics, those suffering form malabsorption syndromes, and the elderly
folate can mask the signs of pernicious anemia, caused by vitamin B12 deficiency and B12 deficiency, although quite rare, can lead to irreversible nerve damage if left unchecked
folate needs increase during pregnancy
alcohol causes the body to excrete more folate than normal
many drugs interfere with folic acid nutrition: antibacterial, anticancer, anticonvulsant, antituberculosis, barbiturates, birth control pills, cortisone, sulfa drugs etc.

large doses of folate can mask the symptoms of pernicious anemia, a disorder marked by an inablity to absorb vitamin B12.
toxicity is low, but the FDA has restricted the dose to 400 mcg./day, because of its possibility of masking signs of pernicious anemia
high doses may interfere with your body's abliity to absorb and retain zinc
increased zinc has been found in the blood in cases of folic acid deficiency

dark-green leafy vegetables, legumes, asparagus, lima beans, Irish potatoes, brewer's yeast, wheat germ, mushrooms, nuts, and egg yolk