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Take A Folic Acid Supplement To Lower Homocysteine Levels

A folic acid supplement can provide cancer protection and improved heart health, as folic acid commonly known as Vitamin B9 plays an important role in cell maintenance and repair, synthesis of DNA, formation of red blood cells and metabolism of amino acids such as homocysteine. Elevated levels of homocysteine have been shown to increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, but studies have shown that homocysteine levels can be lowered with vitamin B6, vitamin B12 and folic acid supplementation.

How Much Folic Acid Does Your Body Need?

Folic acid is water soluble vitamin, and is continuously being excreted by the body. It therefore needs to be replaced through the daily diet and by supplements. It has been shown that more folic acid is absorbed from a supplement than from dietary sources. The recommended daily allowance in the US for healthy male and female adults is 400mcg.

Good Sources Of Folate

  • Green vegetables such as spinach, kale, turnip greens, lettuces and broccoli.
  • Dried beans and peas.
  • Sunflower seeds
  • Cantaloupe, papaya, avocado, banana, oranges and orange juice and tomato juice.
  • Fortified breakfast cereals and rice

Who needs Folic Acid Supplementation?

Folic acid should be considered as part of your daily multivitamins to ensure a healthy heart and prevent thrombosis. Homocysteine is an abnormal protein byproduct that is known to promote atherosclerosis by aiding the formation of plaques in the circulatory system. These can lead to strokes and heart attacks. The B vitamins especially folic acid, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 all breakdown homocysteine in the body and therefore reduce the risk of plaque formation in the arteries.

While the exact amount of folic acid required has not been established, people with elevated homocysteine levels require larger doses than the recommended 400mcg for general health. Additional supplementation is also required in women during the time just before conception and throughout pregnancy. Supplementation during this time protects against neural tube defects in the fetus that can lead to spina bifida and abnormalities of the skull.

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