Folic Acid
(folate; folacin)

DESCRIPTION/FUNCTION

• Folic acid is classified as a member of the B-vitamins. It appears to be essential for biosynthesis of nucleic acids; essential for normal maturation of red blood cells; functions as the coenzyme, tetrahydrofolic acid; used in one-carbon transfer reactions.

DRI (RDA or AI for Adults)

• Adults: 400 mcg.
• Pregnancy: 600 mcg.
• Lactation: 500 mcg. (Prevents some birth defects.)

MAJOR SOURCES

• Chicken liver, turkey liver, brewers yeast, veal liver, beef liver, lentils, okra, black beans, kidney beans, spinach, pasta, beef kidney, peanuts, collard greens, asparagus, navy beans, sunflower kernels, orange juice.
• Also synthesized by intestinal bacteria.

MAINTENANCE/THERAPEUTIC RANGE

• 200 mcg to 1,000 mcg. (At high doses, balance with extra vitamin B12.)

POSSIBLE THERAPEUTIC APPLICATIONS

• Cancer (breast, cervical, colorectal, pancreatic)
• Coronary heart disease
• Depression
• High homocysteine
• Infertility (male)
• Memory loss
• Ulcerative colitis

COMMENTS

• Folic acid may work with vitamins B6 and B12 in reducing homocysteine, a risk factor for heart disease. When taken during pregnancy, it reduces neural tube birth defects. Folic acid must be converted to its active forms to be used by the body. This is a multi-step biochemical process that occurs in the intestines and liver. Because of various reasons, some people may have difficulty converting folic acid into the active form, 5-MTHF (5-Methyltetrahydrofolate).

CAUTIONS

• Consult with your health practitioner if taking prescription drugs. There can be a variety of interactions between folic acid and many medications.