Folic Acid Importance
If you’re a woman of child bearing age, whether you are actively planning to have a child or not, it can be beneficial to ensure that you are getting enough folic acid in your diet. Folic acid is an essential nutrient that is part of the B-vitamin family and is documented to be critical in the process of new cell formation. Certain foods, such as leafy green vegetables, breakfast cereals, beans and orange juice contain folic acid. It is also usually contained as an essential component in multi-vitamins.
One of the most important relationships between folic acid and women’s health is the fact that it is considered to be essential in preventing birth defects. This relationship has been widely documented in the last few years. Research has shown that folic acid is critical in preventing birth defects, such as neural tube defects. The consumption of folic acid in order to prevent birth defects is critical; however, even before becoming pregnant. Due to the fact that neural tube defects may occur quite early in pregnancy, waiting until you are already pregnant may actually be too late to increase your intake of folic acid.
It is now known that women who do not eat a well balanced diet, tend to be anorexic or who consume excessive beverages such as colas and coffee may be seriously at risk for folic acid deficiencies; which could lead to serious birth defects in the event of pregnancy. Due to this fact; some health professionals have recommended that even women who are not planning to become pregnant in the near future ensure that folic acid is an important part of their daily diet regimen.
Folic acid not only reduces the chances of certain birth defects but is only important in helping to prevent heart disease as well as certain kinds of cancer, such as breast cancer, cervical cancer and colon cancer.
Like many other supplements; however, you should be aware that there are some mild side effects related to the consumption of folic acid. These side effects include a change in sleeping patterns and potential mild stomach problems. Some individuals have reported allergic reactions associated with the consumption of folic acid; however these have been rare and mild.
When considering ways to increase your folic acid consumption, it is always better to obtain this nutrient from naturally occurring sources, rather than synthetic supplements. Natural folic acid tends to have far fewer side effects and provides better benefits than synthetic, as well; so be sure to stock up on plenty of leafy greens and OJ.
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