What is folic acid used for?

Getting enough vitamins and minerals in your diet? Learn more about folic acid and its essential role in the human body.

Folic acid comes in several forms. It is known by the following names, folate, leucovorin calcium, folinate calcium, folacin, folate sodium and vitamin M. Folic acid is an integral component of several enzymatic functions in the human body. It is also vital to the formation of red blood cells and without it the development of bone marrow would be stunted. Folic acid is also useful in the proper functioning of the entire central nervous system. However, folic acid’s perhaps most important function is in growth and reproduction. Without folic acid, the manufacture of nucleic acids - the stuff cells are made of - would not be possible.

The dietary sources for folic acid are primarily the green, leafy vegetables. You can also find high concentrations of folic acid in liver and mushrooms. All the root vegetables are excellent sources of folic acid, as are nuts, dried beans and peas. Folic acid can also be found in oranges and nuts. Egg yolks provide and optimal source of folic acid as well.

Even though it is so important to proper functioning of the human organism, folic acid deficiency does occur and can lead to abnormally low levels of red blood cells in the system. This results in anemia. The primary symptoms of folic acid deficiency include extreme fatigue, nausea and lack of apetite. Individuals experiencing deficiency may also have mouth sores and hair loss. Diarrhea is common. In infants and children, folic acid deficiency can cause growth retardation.

Recommended intakes of folic acid vary, and excessive folic acid is not considered toxic. However the consensus among professionals seems to be anywhere from 100 to 1000 micrograms daily, depending on level of deficiency. Of course, before starting any form of supplementation you should consult your health care practitioner.