by Anne Christie

Created on: February 27, 2009

Folic acid, whether known as folactin, folate, pteroylglutanic acid (PGA), or Vitamin B9, is required by the body for the production of energy and red blood cells. It assists in the formation and function of white blood cells, thereby increasing the strength of the immune system. It is also necessary for healthy cell division and multiplication, which is one of the reasons it is extremely important during pregnancy.

Folic acid has been found to function as an enzyme in the DNA (deoxyriboneuclic acid) and RNA (riboneuclic acid) necessary for their synthesis. Used as a prevention for folic acid anemia, it is very important inn the metabolism of proteins. Other areas in which studies have been done for which folic acid has been found to be beneficial include: anxiety, depression and the treatment of uterine cervical dysplasia.

One of the most important nutrients in regulating homocystein levels, folic acid, in proper combination with vitamins B12 and B6 decreases the formation and, more importantly, the adherence of homocysteine to the arterial an veinal walls in the brain and throughout the body. By decreasing the levels of homocysteine, it greatly decreases the likelihood of the occurrence of ateriosclerosis, athlerosclerosis, heart attack and stroke.

Pregnancy

Perhaps the best publicized use for folic acid is during pregnancy. During pregnancy folic acid regulates the formation of the embryonic and fetal nerve cells. As little as 400 mcg (micrograms) taken daily in the early stages of pregnancy, has been touted for years as the prevention of the majority of neural tube defects such as spina bifida and anencephaly (a disorder where the neural tube fails to close completely), as well as premature births.

The most critical time to increase folic acid is the first trimester of pregnancy, when the greatest demand is being placed upon your body, especially during the first six weeks of gestation. Therefore it is important to increase your intake of folic acid before attempting to get pregnant or when you first suspect you are pregnant. Since pregnancy is often unplanned, most doctors reccommend that women, during the age of child bearing, take a nutritional supplement each day that includes folic acid.

Deficiencies in Folic Acid

Signs of insufficient folic acid in the body may include: a sore, red tongue, anemia, apathy, digestive problems, fatigue, insomnia, graying of the hair, impairment of growth, labored breathing, memory problems, paranoia, and birth defects in children

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