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Folic Acid |
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| water-soluble vitamin | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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capsule/tablet/wafer |
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Folic Acid is essential for production of red blood cells, tissue cells, normal growth, healthy intestinal tract, strengthening the immune system, cellular division and prenatal nourishment. Works closely with Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5) and Vitamin B12 in the metabolism of Amino acids and the synthesis of proteins and in the production of genetic material (RNA & DNA). Thus, it is vital to healthy cell division and replication, and to tissue growth. Because of rapid cell multiplication during pregnancy, it depletes a mother's supply of Folic Acid, thus an adequate supply is needed to prevent birth defects, such as neural tube (spinal tube). Folic Acid also acts by removing fat stored in the liver and by converting one amino acid into another to rebuild and maintain body proteins. In addition, there may be an increased need of Folic Acid during illness, injury and surgery, during which times the body repairs itself. Thus its requirements increase during times of stress. You'll need Folic Acid supplementation if you take excessive alcohol, because alcohol in the intestine decreases intestinal absorption of this vitamin and a liver damaged by alcohol can't metabolize and use Folic Acid as well. Also taking oral contraceptive agents (birth control pills) increases your body's demand for Folic Acid and allows you to become deficient in this vitamin over time.
Normally 400 to 10,000 mcg for men and women.
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