WHENEVER I discuss folic acid with a chemist or even a doctor, they deny the nutrient’s association with the vitamin B family. Finally, medical anthropologist Dr. John Heinerman’s Encyclopedia of Vitamins & Minerals confirmed my belief that folic acid, B-9, is a member of the indispensable B-complex family and that is due to the nutrients’ interdependence.
The importance of folic acid surfaced when China saw the death of as many as 100,000 infants because of neural tube defects. Sometime later the same defects appeared in Texas. Fortunately the cause was discovered and B-9 deficiency was linked to the congenital deformation. Subsequently, folic acid supplement was prescribed to women prior and during pregnancy to prevent the two following forms of the defect.
Anencephaly is when the fetal brain does not fully develop and spina bifida is when the spinal cord is not contained and protected by the spine. The daily 400 mcg dose of B-9 is prescribed in order to prevent fetal neural tube defects in women with history of carrying infants with such deformities. Hence, prenatal supplements should include the necessary dose of folic acid (0.4 mg), which is also recommended during child bearing age.
On the same front, folic acid appears to prevent other congenital defects. Its deficiency is linked to cleft palate (deformation in the palate); low birth weight; and Down’s syndrome births due to father’s low B-9.
Folic acid deficiency is implicated in increasing some types of cancer: Colorectal and cervical cancers. According to Professor Ames of biochemistry and molecular biology at the University of California at Berkeley, the main perpetrators in cancer development are smoking, chronic infections, and nutrient deficiencies. Enzymes dependent on B vitamins protect chromosomes from free radicals and cell mutation. Folic acid supplements seem to give that protection by preventing intestinal polyps from turning cancerous; cellular changes in the cervix (neck of uterus); and precancerous cells in the bronchial tubes of heavy smokers.
B-9 can safeguard the heart from high homocysteine levels caused by inflammation, leading to cholesterol build-up and blockages in artery wall lining. The condition appears with the overconsumption of red meat, dairy products, eggs, and confectionary chocolate. A healthy diet rich in dark pigment vegetables and folic acid are effective ways to reduce offensive homocysteine levels.
Certain psychotic conditions (delusions, hallucinations) and mental disturbances can be helped with vitamins B-6, B-9, B-12, and zinc. Emotional behavior in prepubertal boys is related to folic acid deficiency. The nutrient seems to calm nerves and relieve agitation in teenagers.
Miscarriages, spontaneous abortions, and premature deliveries are associated with folic acid deficiency. Because B-9 supplements along with probiotics improved success rate of subsequent pregnancies, it is important to take them prior to conception and continue well into the pregnancy. Older fathers-to-be should also take folic acid to lower risk of Down’s syndrome babies and wives’ miscarrying.
Good sources of folate, B-9 precursor, are raw leafy green, asparagus, broccoli, cabbage, meat, liver, fish, legumes, bran cereal, oranges and juice, pineapple, papaya, whole grains, berries, carrots, parsnips, root vegetables, mushrooms, dairy and green tea. Two to three portions of the above foods provide the daily requirement. Mothers-to-be and women at reproductive ages are advised to take the supplement as well.
As folic acid gets destroyed by cooking, pre-preparing and processing food, veggies should be consumed raw or very lightly cooked. Malabsorption prevents the uptake of folate in fresh produce. Oral contraceptives can obstruct the uptake of folate, thus the need to take the supplement increases. It is recommended to add B-12 when taking high doses of B-9; they can hide B-12 insufficiency.
Symptoms of folate deficiency appear with a sore red tongue, anemia, fatigue, digestive disorders, insomnia, decreased memory, paranoia, heavy breathing, profuse menstrual bleeding, dry cough, graying hair, growth impairment and fetal birth defects.
Remember, vitamin B-9 gives better results in synergy with the rest of B family. Medical drugs may destroy folic acid or suppress the enzymes that assist its uptake. Nutrient deficiencies result in many puzzling conditions and are at the core of many diseases. With blood tests and proper nourishment and treatment, you can be spared despair, lifetime suffering, grief and high medical costs.
