Vitamin B9 is commonly known as folic acid or folate, and also folacin. Folate is found naturally in food, while folic acid is the synthetic form found in supplements and fortified food. Vitamin B9 was used clinically in 1945, after proving effective in the treatment of conditions like anemia.
Folic acid is stable in acid solutions and soluble in water. It is destroyed rapidly when heated in alkaline or neutral substances, as well as by overcooking and some food processing methods, sunlight and sulphur drugs. Some anti-convulsant drugs used to treat epilepsy reduce the folate content in the blood. Some other drugs too hinder folate metabolism. Almost half of the folic acid stored in the body is found in the liver.
Functions of Folic Acid
Vitamin B9 is one of the most important vitamins of the B group, especially for pregnant and lactating women. It is required for the growth and division of nerve cells and other body cells, and manufacturing nerve transmitters. It boosts normal growth by helping in protein metabolism.
Folic acid is vital for mental health and functioning of the brain. It is required for the synthesis of DNA and RNA, the genetic materials of the body that carry hereditary patterns.
Folic acid acts as a coenzyme and works along with vitamin B12 to boost the formation of red blood cells. It also works with vitamins B6 and B12 to control blood levels of the amino acid homocysteine. High levels of the latter can lead to certain chronic conditions like heart disease. Folate has preventive properties against heart diseases, cancer, age-related hearing loss and depression.
Folic acid helps to develop antibodies that fight infections and heal them. It prevents premature graying of hair, and is responsible for healthy hair and skin.
Sources of Vitamin B9
Green gram and other pulses and legumes are rich sources of folic acid. Vegetable sources include asparagus, cluster beans, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, mint and spinach. In fact, the term “folacin” comes from its presence in green leaves, as the Latin word “folium” means “leaf.” Folic acid is also found in citrus fruits like oranges, wheat germ, eggs and some meat like liver and turkey.
Deficiency of Folic Acid
The most common result of folic acid deficiency is anemia during pregnancy and childhood. Hair loss, skin pigmentation and other serious skin conditions also occur. Blood circulation is impaired by folic acid deficiency. Since it is the most vital nutrient during pregnancy, there can be reproductive disorders. Malnourishment caused by a deficiency of vitamin B9 leads to gastrointestinal disorders and diarrhea. Finally, fatigue, depression and even dementia result from lack of folic acid.
Therapeutic Uses of Folic Acid
Taking folic acid supplements during pregnancy increases birth weight and reduces the risk of colon cancer and heart disease. It is used to treat megaloblastic anemia resulting from nutritional deficiency in pregnant women and infants. Folate supplements are prescribed to prevent birth defects, as well as recurrent miscarriages.
Vitamin B9 has proved effective in the treatment of some diseases which are rare and linked to impaired mental development. It has been found to improve mental health in children who are epileptic.
Folic acid cures an intestinal disease called sprue. It also helps to alleviate gout. Darkish brown spots and pigmentation resulting from folic acid and vitamin B12 deficiency are considerably lightened with the use of folic acid.
Folate/folic acid is essential for normal growth, circulatory system, nervous system, immunity and healthy skin and hair. Deficiency leads to conditions like nutritional anemia, skin and mental problems. Pulses, legumes, green leafy vegetables, and some fruit and meat contain folic acid. Therefore, it is important to make sure that the recommended daily allowance of 400 mcg for adults is consumed. Pregnant and lactating women need 600 mcg and 500 mcg respectively.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only; it should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his/her health should contact a licensed medical professional.
Sources:
Goyal, G.C, Vitamins for Natural Healing, Diamond books, 2005
Bakhru, Dr.H.K, Vitamins that Heal, Orient paperbacks, 1998
Vitamins-supplements.org, Vitamins & health supplements guide—(accessed April 25, 2011).
umm.edu/altmed/articles/vitamin-b9,(accessed April 25, 2011).
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