Folic Acid
Folic acid is one of the B-complex vitamins and can be found in a variety of foods such as:
• Spinach
• Asparagus
• Broccoli
• Oranges
• Most Berries
• Whole Grain
• Enriched Bread
• Rice
Folic acid, also known as folate, first gained its popularity because of its ability to help with the prevention of birth defects. Since then it has been shown to help fight fatigue, acne, and depression, as well as reduce plaque buildup in the arteries, which can clog and cause a decrease in oxygen intake. We also now know that Folic acid is necessary for the metabolism of amino acids as well as for transforming sugars in to energy that our bodies can use.
Folic acid is recommended to be taken with food several times a day in combination with a multivitamin or B-complex. If you are pregnant and want to use folic acid to help aid against birth defects, 800mcg is recommended daily. For those looking to just stay healthy, you should take between 400 and 800mcg daily.
There are some safety issues that must be taken into consideration when taking folic acid. If you use more than 1500mcg in a day, you may cause kidney complications as well as gas, bloating, and upset stomach. If you are using aspirin, alcohol, barbiturates, seizure meds, or anesthetics, this will inhibit the effects of Folic acid. If you are epileptic and are using medication, you should avoid high dosages of Folic acid, due to it increasing the risk of seizure.
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