Vitamin B-9, more commonly known as folic acid, functions together with a group of related water-soluble compounds, collectively called folacin, in many body processes. It is critical to cellular division because it is necessary in DNA synthesis. Cells will not divide properly without it, and no cell division means little or no new cell production of hair cells, skin cells, red and white blood cells. It promotes normal growth and development and normal red blood cell formation. It helps maintain the nervous system, intestinal tract, sex organs, white blood cells, and normal patterns of growth.
Folic acid, also known as folacin or folate, maintains the cellsÕ genetic code and transfer inherited traits from one cell to another. It is vitally important for the fetal development of nerve cells, and a folic acid deficiency during pregnancy has been linked to several birth defects. Supplements of folic acid should be considered by all women of childbearing age. Studies carried out by the World Health Organization indicate that up to a third of all pregnant women in the world have a folate deficiency. A study at the Medical College of St. BartholomewÕs Hospital in London found that the risk of certain birth defects could be reduced by 60% if supplements of 400 mcg are taken daily for a month prior to conception and during the first trimester.1
Folic acid is a common vitamin deficiency. Symptoms of irritability, weakness, apathy, and others mimic symptoms of Vitamin B-12 deficiency but a folacin deficiency is not as damaging and can be quickly corrected with supplements and proper diet. Vitamin B-12 should always be included in a folacin supplement program because the folacin supplementation can mask an underlying Vitamin B-12 deficiency. Also, Vitamin B-12 reactivates folic acid in the body and a Vitamin B-12 deficiency can cause a folic acid deficiency.
At greatest risk for a folate deficiency are the elderly, women taking birth control pills, long term antibiotic patients, and alcoholics. However, studies of adolescents reported in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that 85% of boys, 90% of girls from families of low income status and 100% of girls from upper income families took in less than half the adult recommended daily allowance of 400 micrograms (since lowered to 180 mcg).2
In 1989, the U.S. National Research Council, which oversees the recommended daily allowances, reduced the recommended level for folacin from the 1980 level of 400mcg to 180mcg because they found few people achieved higher levels. Due to the overwhelming evidence of folacinÕs impact on preventing neural tube defects, the FDA is now recommending food fortification of this vitamin. The U.S. Public Health Service recommends 400mcg for all women, especially those in their child-bearing years. Researchers at the University of Florida assert that folacin content in foods is only an estimate, and that intake may actually be lower due to folacinÕs high susceptibility to destruction before consumption. Levels may not only be low, but there is possibly a widespread deficiency among Americans.3
Folic acid may be a major factor in warding off heart attacks, strokes and some common cancers. Furthermore, a less than optimal intake of folic acid can double or triple the risk of developing one or more of these deadly diseases Ñ even for those not considered deficient by todayÕs nutritional standards of 200 micrograms (mcg) for men and 180 mcg for women. Low folate consumption has been linked to cancers of the lung, esophagus, breast and cervix as well as to precancerous colon and rectal tumors called adenomas.
Folic acid regulates homocysteine levels. In the conversion process of the amino acid methionine into cysteine, methionine first becomes homocysteine and then that is converted into cysteine. In the absence of the folic acid and B-12, homocysteine cannot be converted. Elevated levels of homocysteine are found in up to 40% of patients with heart desease.4 High levels of homocysteine may also indicate a variety of other conditions, including depression, osteoporosis and atherosclerosis.
1 MRC Vitamin Study Research Group: Prevention of neural tube defects: Results of the Medical Research Council Vitamin Study. Lancet, 1991:338:131-137.
2 Editors of Prevention Magazine, The Complete Book of Vitamins, 213.
3 Bailey L; Evaluation of the new Recommended Daily Allowance for folate. J. Am Diet A 1992;92:463-468,471.
4 Glueck CJ, et al., Evidence that homocysteine is an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis in hyperlipidemic patients. Am J. Cardio 75, 132-136, 1995; and Clarke R, et al., Hyperhomocysteinemia: An independent risk factor for vascular disease. N Eng J Med 324, 1149-1155, 1991.
VITAMIN B-9: SOURCES
Available as:
1 From Griffith HW, Vitamins, Minerals, and Supplements.
VITAMIN B-9: PROVEN BENEFITS
What this vitamin does:
1 From Griffith HW, Vitamins, Minerals, and Supplements.
VITAMIN B-9: UNPROVED SPECULATED BENEFITS
1 From Griffith HW, Vitamins, Minerals, and Supplements.
VITAMIN B-9: SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
Miscellaneous information:
1 From Griffith HW, Vitamins, Minerals, and Supplements.
VITAMIN B-9: DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS
1 From Griffith HW, Vitamins, Minerals, and Supplements.
VITAMIN B-9: UNPROVED SPECULATED SYMPTOMS
1 From Griffith HW, Vitamins, Minerals, and Supplements.
VITAMIN B-9: LAB TESTS TO DETECT DEFICIENCY
1 From Griffith HW, Vitamins, Minerals, and Supplements.
VITAMIN B-9: OPTIMAL LEVELS
200-800 mcg.
VITAMIN B-9: MINIMUM DOSAGE
Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA):
Estimate of adequate daily intake by the Food and Nutrition Board of the National Research Council, 1989.
Age RDA
0-6 months 25mcg
6-12 months 35mcg
1-3 years 50mcg
4-6 years 75mcg
7-10 years 100mcg
Males
11-14 years 150mcg
15+ years 200mcg
Females
11-14 years 150mcg
15+ years 180mcg
Pregnant 400mcg
Lactating 1st 6 mos 280mcg
2nd 6 mos 260mcg
VITAMIN B-9: WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
Don't take if you:
Consult your doctor if you have:
Over age 55:
Pregnancy:
Breast-feeding:
Effect on lab tests:
Storage:
Others:
1 From Griffith HW, Vitamins, Minerals, and Supplements.
Signs and symptoms:
What to do:
1 From Griffith HW, Vitamins, Minerals, and Supplements.
Reaction or effect What to do
Bright-yellow urine (always) Nothing.
Diarrhea Discontinue. Call doctor immediately.
Fever Discontinue. Call doctor immediately.
Skin rash Discontinue. Call doctor when convenient.1
1 From Griffith HW, Vitamins, Minerals, and Supplements.
1 From Griffith HW, Vitamins, Minerals, and Supplements.
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