Folic Acid

"Take your vitamins! Remmber to get folic acid!" We seemed to be screamed at all the time to make sure we have enough folic acid. Especially women who are pregnant or may become pregnant, they are given so many different capsules and powders, folic acid seems to become a necessity.

Folic acid is a B vitamin. It is the man made version of the natural substance folate. It has been attributed with cell growth and metabolism. Most of the attention of folic acid is for those nearing 50 and oregnant women. The main reason for this is that it has shown to decrease the delineating effects associated with diseases common among the elderly (including Alzheimer's) and in utero. It has shown to decrease the probability of preclampsia and birth defects, such as spinal bifida. It is unsure whether it is a cause or not, but there is a commonality between low numbers of folic acid and early or preterm labor.

Though it is most known for being found in pill form, there are otehr ways to get your recommended amount of folic acid. The pills often have more in them than just folic acid, such as artificial coloring and hydrogenized oil, to keep the capsules together. So fresh instead with green vegetables like spinach and broccoli. Natural proteins such as beans are also a good source.