FOLIC ACID AND ITS HEALTH BENEFITS:

 INTRODUCTION:

Folic Acid is an essential nutrient required by the human body for Red Blood Cells Synthesis, DNA synthesis & Cell division. It is also necessary for healthy fetal development during pregnancy. It is also known as Vitamin B9 (Although it is not a vitamin). Folate is the naturally occurring form of Folic acid and it is way more effective than folic acid in improving health. Folate is found in natural food sources and Folic acid is present in fortified fruits and medicines.

IMPORTANCE & BENEFITS OF FOLIC ACID:

·       CELL GROWTH:

                    Folic Acid is necessary for the Production & Repairing of DNA, RNA, and Proteins, which are essential for cell growth and cell division. Without sufficient folic acid, cells growth and replication are retarded and there could be errors in DNA/RNA production.

·       PREVENTION OF CANCER:

As explained above that folic acid helps in the production of DNA and RNA. Deficiency of Folic acid can cause errors in DNA/RNA production, which can cause cancer. Hence Folic Acid can prevent cancer in humans. It is especially important in prevention of Colon, Esophagus, Bladder & Breast Cancer.

·       PREVENTION OF DISEASES:

               Folic Acid helps prevent several major diseases like heart disease and stroke. This may be due in part to folic acid's role in reducing levels of a harmful protein (HOMOCYSTEINE), that are considered to be one of the cause these diseases. So consuming Folic acid in appropriate quantity can reduce risks of Heart attack and stroke and also improves the functioning of blood vessels.

·       HEALTHY RED BLOOD CELLS:

               Folic acid is also involved in the formation of red blood cells, which transport oxygen throughout the body. It also has a role in Maturation of Red Blood Cells.

·       IMPROVES SKIN HEALTH:

               Folic acid plays an important role in maintaining skin health and it also helps to slow down the Aging Process of Skin, and Reduces Wrinkles in skin. It also Prevents Acne Formation.

·       IMPROVES BRAIN HEALTH:

               By the passage of time, the cognitive function of brain begins to decline. Consumption of adequate amount of Folic Acid in food help slow down this decline process. It also has a role in treatment of Depression & Alzheimer’s Disease. It also helps to Elevate Mood.

·       IMPROVES FERTILITY:

               Folic Acid can improve reproductive health in females. It improves the Quality of Egg, its growth and implantation in uterus. Hence it improves the chances of Conceiving (Getting Pregnant).

·       IMPROVEMENT OF METERNAL HEALTH DURING PREGNANCY:

               Folic Acid consumption can improve the health of mother during child bearing. It decreases the stress on the body produced due to pregnancy. It also improves mental health.

READ ABOUT FOLIC ACID RICH FOOD HERE.

EFFECTS OF FOLIC ACID DEFICIENCY:

          Folic Acid deficiency is not very common and usually occurs due to some sorts of absorption disorder like Celiac Disease, low Stomach Acid or Gastrectomy (removal parts of stomach and intestines).

·       BRAIN & SPINAL DEFECTS IN PREGNANCY:

               Folic Acid is very important in pregnancy, its deficiency can cause many major defects in babies like Neural Tube Defects & Spina Bifida (defects of brain and spinal cord). It can also help in prevention of Preterm Birth and Low Birth Weight. To read about the IMPORTANCE OF FOLIC ACID IN PREGNANCY, CLICK HERE.

·       ANEMIA (MEGALOBLASTIC ANEMIA):

               One of the major problem due to the deficiency of Folic Acid other than birth defects is Anemia. Deficiency of folate cause the production of Large Red Blood Cells (Called Megaloblasts) That are Abnormal & Can’t Function Properly. This is due to the decreased production of Hemoglobin.

·       LETHARGY AND WEAKNESS:

               Folic acid deficiency can cause generalized body weakness, fatigue and lethargy. It also causes Shortness of Breath and Paleness. This is partly due to the deficiency of Hemoglobin and red blood cells.

·       MOUTH BLISTERS & HAIR LOSS:

               Folic Acid helps in the formation of a protective layer over the tongue and inside of the mouth (Buccal Mucosa). Its deficiency can cause breaks in the protective layer that causes Blister, Tongue Swelling and Mouth Sores. Folic acid deficiency can also cause Hair Loss & Grey Hair.

·       DEMENTIA AND OTHER MENTAL DISORDERS:

               Low Folate in human body can cause Poor Mental Function and Onset of Dementia. Its deficiency also increases Depression, Schizophrenia and other mental disorders.

ALSO READ: VITAMIN E AND SKIN CARE.