is still alive. While numerous doctors maintain we get
all that we require from the foods we eat, others prefer
to offer supplementary vitamins when their patients are
under stress such as pregnancy, illness or even aging.
Studies have shown that taking supplementary B group
vitamins, specifically folic acid and B12 have reduced
birth defects from 72 to 100%. Since regulations authorizing
the addition of folic acid to grains have come into
play, the incidence of birth defects in the United States
has lessened by 19%, though skeptics claim there could
be alternate reasons.
- Symptoms of folate deficiency.
If your tongue is swollen and you suffer from loss
of appetite, shortness of breath, are irritable, forgetful
and mentally sluggish, you may have a folate deficiency.
Folic acid is one of the B group of vitamins. Most
animal and plant foods are poor sources of it. The
exception is liver which most folks do not eat a lot
of these days.
Various habits and diseases also play a greater share
in causing a lack of this vitamin. Celiac disease, alcoholism
and irritable bowel syndrome just to name a few. Studies
have also suggested that when ageing individuals suffer
from depression it is caused by a lack of folate vitamin
(B9) .
Folate should be taken with B6 And B12 vitamins to
help its absorption and function in the body. These
three vitamins work together to help relieve symptoms
of depression. They do this by lowering the amount of
homocysteine, which is thought to play an active roll
in causing depression.
Several population-based studies around the United States
have shown that various cancers are less ubiquitous in
people who have high levels of folic acid. These people
consumed high amounts of beta-carotene, vitamin C and
fiber. One study of 50,000 women revealed that adequate
consumption of folate significantly reduced the chances
of breast cancer.
Some prescription medications for inflammatory bowel disease
have been found to interfere with the bodies proficiency
to absorb folate . This deficiency has as well been linked
to male infertility and heart disease. Foods that offer
the most folic acid are dark leafy greens, brewers yeast,
beef liver, various seafood, orange juice and milk. Root
vegetables and whole grains also provide diminutive amounts.
Side effects from folic acid supplements are uncommon,
though they can occur if the dose exceeds 15000 mcg
per day. Taking any one of the B group of vitamins
alone can cause a deficiency in the others. Find out
if you actually do need it and make certain your doctor
knows you plan to take it. Some prescription medication
like antibiotics and warfarin can interact adversely to
this supplement, while others like ibuprofen and aspirin
may cause a deficiency.
Methotrexate, used to treat some cancer and rheumatoid
arthritis elevates the body's need for folic acid. Its
side-effects are largely reduced by the addition of this
vitamin without impairing its advantage, so if you must
take this drug, be sure see your doctor about adding
folic acid to your diet.
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About the Author:
Paul Wolbers is a Personal Trainer dedicated to helping
others achieve physical fitness. You can visit his website
and learn more about nutrition at:
Click Here --->
http://www.MagnumNutrition.com
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