This is a water soluble B Vitamin, also called folacin or folate and was first extracted from spinach. It plays an important role in DNA and RNA synthesis, production of red blood cells, wound healing, building muscles, maintenance of the nervous system and for every function that requires cell division.
It is especially important in fetal development and helps produce key chemicals for the brain and nervous system. This is why Doctors start supplementation of folate from conception and for the first three months of pregnancy because it greatly reduces the risk of serious birth defects, including spina bifida.
This B vitamin appears to regulate the body's production and use of homocysteine, an amino acid-like substance that at high levels can damage the lining of blood vessels, making them more susceptible to plaque buildup. This makes folic acid an important weapon against heart disease and useful in warding off certain cancers. including those of the lungs, cervix, colon, and rectum.
Folic acid may help depression, because high levels of homocysteine may contribute to this condition. Folic acid reduces homocysteine levels and improves the effectiveness of antidepressants. Folic acid has also been useful in treating gout and irritable bowel syndrome beause high homocysteine levels may be a factor in causing osteoporosis and bowel problems. The supplementation of folate may keep the bones strong and the intestines healthy.Folate (Folic Acid)
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