Folic Acid - A very valuable B complex vitamin

Folic acid (aka Folate) is a very important B complex vitamin that has been known to help prevent birth defects when taken by a pregnant woman. Recent data has aldo shown that Folic acid consumption can help reduce the risk of developing high blood pressure in women.

Folic acid is found in plenty in green, leafy vegetables, fruits, dried beans and peas. The synthetic form is found in dietary supplements and fortified foods. Folic acid is important for the development of new cells in the body, in particular red blood cells. A deficiency of Folic acid leads to anaemia. Folic acid also helps cells resist changes in their DNA and thus helps prevent cancerous changes in cells.

Folic acid taken even before conception helps reduce the incidences of birth defects in the baby called as neural tube defects (like spina bifida and anencephaly.) In the latest retrospective study over 150000 women between the ages 23 and 70 were followed up for 8 years and it was found that women who regularly took Folic acid were found to have a lower incidence of hypertension. Although not a clinical trial in itself the results indicate a new benefit from the consumption of Folic acid.

http://latestmedicalupdates.blogspot.com

Technorati Tags: Health and Finess

Vote Result

Score: 10.0, Votes: 1