An Overview of Different Natural Sources of Folic Acid

Folic acid, a member of the B-complex family, is an extremely important nutrient, vital to human life. It is very important for cell division & replication; it is the co-enzyme to help create RNA&DNA while a fetus is thriving in the womb. Folic acid is often deficient in Americans' diets. Athletes, people suffering from high blood pressure, diabetics, active children, etc. all need folic acid to minimize the effects of fatigue, hair loss, depression, insomnia, diarrhea, nausea, and an increase of infections, and mental illness etc. Folic acid helps protect the chromosomes needed for utilization of sugar & amino acids, protects against food poisoning, and intestinal parasites. Yearly thousands of deaths, could be prevented by simply adding folic acid to the diet. Folic acid deficiency symptoms include birth defects, a "neural tube defect", such as spina bifida where the brain and spinal cord's development is incomplete. The pregnant woman or any childbearing age female, should take in at least (400mcg) daily of this nutrient before planning childbirth. Folic acid is a water soluble vitamin, which means it is not stored in the body and should be taken daily. Folic acid, is an inexpensive ( B- complex vitamin) to purchase and can be absorbed by eating certain natural foods.

Sources of Folic Acid

Best Folic Acid Supplements

1. Twin Lab-Folic acid 800 mcg. It does not contain tablet binders, coating, colorings etc. This amount is recommended for active men.

www.healthmartvitamins.com

2. Folic Acid Plus-This product supports the female glandular system. Nature's Sunshine brand is geared towards childbearing age women to take before conception and pregnant women. The serving is the right amounts of folic acid (400 mcg), plus the added bonus of vitamin C and bee pollen.

www.naturessunshine.com

3. Jarrow Formulas- a trusted reliable brand (800 mcg) folic acid tablets.

www.vitacart.com

Leafy Green Vegetables

4. Spinach an excellent source of folic acid, it can be added to salads right out of the prepackaged bags in the super market.

5. Orange Juice-supplies 400 mcg the daily value in each 8-10 oz. serving

Cereals - 100% Daily Value of Folic Acid

Most whole grain cereals are going to contain the 100% daily value recommended by the (FDA). Check the label on the back or side of the cereal you are deciding to purchase.

6. Total

7. Multi-grain Cheerios

8. Kellogg's Healthy Choice/ Almond Crunch w/Raisins

9. Kashi's Heart to Heart brand cereals

Kellogg's and Kashi are the best brands supplying (dv) folic acid.

10. Beans- such as navy, kidney, lentils, and garbanzo beans

Visit- www.cdc.gov for a listing of more cereals and other foods to add to your food list to get the correct amount of folic acid.