Folic acid is one of the B vitamins and it is necessary for the production of red blood cells and

normal metabolism. It is an important vitamin for pregnant women as it can prevent the
occurrence of birth defects and prevents infant spinal cord defects - for example Spina bifida.

Folic acid may also help other conditions such as depression, schizophrenia, arthrosclerosis,
heart disease, and diarrhea. It can also be helpful in treating epilepsy gingivitis, gout, and cancer
- the risk of getting it is reduced.

Folic Acid Benefits

One of the best benefits of Folic Acid is for women who are trying to fall pregnant, and those
who are pregnant. Folic Acid helps with the healthy development of the fetus, and can help to
prevent conditions such as spina bifida and other neural tube defects that are known as
devastating conditions.

To be honest, folic acid benefits go much further than just pregnancy. Folic Acid helps with
keeping your heart healthy. The nutrient helps lower homocysteine levels; having high
homocysteine impairs blood vessels, which, results in the arteries being vulnerable to the
formation of plaque.

This can lead to a higher risk of one getting heart disease. It also known that, people who have
trouble with depression, may find folic acid helpful because depression is associated with raised
levels of homocysteine.

Further Folic Acid benefits in clued a feeling of energy, and it is known that this nutrient may
help counter and combat Alzheimer's disease.

Precautions

Folic acid can have some serious side effects if to much is taken every day. Dangerous levels of
consumption are between 5,000 to 10,000 mcg. The RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance)
stands at 400 mcg per day, however certain people (especially pregnant women, those trying to
conceive and the elderly) may need more of this particular nutrient in their diets.

Another point people need to consider is that taking Folic Acidi as a supplement can hide serious
deficiency symptoms of vitamin B12 (anemia). Take a look at this we came cross in the
following encyclopedia "New Encyclopedia Vitamins, Minerals, Supplements, & Herbs" by
Nicola Reavley "Large amounts of folic acid can mask anemia caused by Vitamin B12
deficiency. Although this is rare, in some cases it may lead to permanent nerve damage." pg. 108

Because of this statement, the author of the book advises that people with anemia should not take
more than 400 mcg of folic acid per day unless pernicious amenia is first ruled out by your
doctor.
Some people suggest that Folic Acid should not be consumed as a stand alone supplement and
taken with vitamin B12 or as part of a more comprehensive formula where not only b12 are used,
but other important vitamins, minerals, herbs, and amino acids.
Lets take a look at an example from, Reader's Digest book "The Healing Power of Vitamins,
Minerals, and Herbs" contains: Buy a folic acid supplement that also contains vitamin B12 (too
much of one can mask a deficiency in the other)." pg 293

A deficiency of folic acid could cause some Anemias. The side effects of Folic Acid are rare and
are normally due to taking high dosages of the nutrient. If any change occurs after starting a
regimen of folic acid, contact your physician immediately. If necessary, go to an emergency
facility for evaluation.

Precautions and allergic reactions from Folic Acid

Allergic reactions however, can be serious. Some signs of severe allergic reactions include rash,
itching, swelling, dizziness, and breathing difficulties. If you note anything that is not usual for
you, seek medical attention right away.

Pregnant women and breast feeding mothers should consult their doctors before using this
nutrient.

In recent news, reported is a unique piece of information that has been put out there that may be
of interest to women who want to get pregnant. Folic acid, when taken after fertility treatment
(invitro fertilization) may raise the odds of producing twins. While this is possible with other
fertility treatments, it has been recently found to occur with folic acid.

Our Opinion

We believe many vitamins are best consumed through food sources; however, Folic Acid is not
one of these nutrients. The nutrient is easily destroyed and the value of the nutrient is lessened by
cooking or storage. On top of this, the human body doesn't store the nutrient for very long. This
is why we need to take this nutrient daily to keep on top. Because of what we have said, many
experts suggest that supplements should be incorporated in to ones diet for one of the best
sources of folic acid benefits, and also, for those people who need more of this nutrient.

There are still good food sources for Folic Acid however, which include, whole grains, various
beans, and green vegetables.

On a final note, many foods today are fortified with this vitamin, although they are not the best
sources and are far from natural sources.

Our Tips For Obtaining The Best Folic Acid Benefits

1. Nutritional have become unregulated. Studies have shown that consumers of health products
only have a 1 in 5 chance of buying a product with the amount of ingredients stated on the label.
Also, Products have been found to have dangerous contaminates in them.

Because of this, you should choose a manufacturer that is pharmaceutical GMP compliant. Such
places comply with the most stringent manufacturing standards. This ensures you get a product
with the stated ingredients, and also, ensures that there are no contaminants within your chosen
product

The product we personally use called Total Balance, which also contains Folic Acid -
http://www.natural-nutritional-health-supplement.com is the best supplement we have come
across. We have been using this supplement for over 3 years with excellent health results.

We highly reccomend you learn more about our best natural nutritional supplement if you are
interested in improving your overall health.

John Gibb runs a series of health websites, We offer a free health book for subscribers to our
websites newsletter. We cover everything you need to know on nutrition and how to improve
your general overall health. Check out our nutrition e-book, for more information on our
nutrition book.

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