FOLIC ACID - ARTICLE on Miscarriages & Birth Defects

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Pregnant women plagued by cravings for pickles and ice cream must remember

to include plenty of folic acid in their diets. Shown to reduce the risk of

miscarriage and birth defects, folic acid – found primarily in leafy green

vegetables – is an absolute necessity for any woman who is pregnant or is

considering becoming pregnant. In fact, " health officials at the U.S. Centers

for

Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now recommend that all women of

childbearing age take folic acid (0.4 mg daily) to protect their future

newborns from

developing a neural tube defect, an anomaly of the spinal cord, " writes Burton

Goldberg in Alternative Medicine.

However, it's not just expectant moms who could stand to add more leafy

greens to their plates. Because it is useful in combating everything from

_acne_

(http://www.newstarget.com/acne.html) and canker sores to _osteoporosis_

(http://www.newstarget.com/osteoporosis.html) and cancer, we could all benefit

from adding more _folic acid_ (http://www.newstarget.com/folic_acid.html) to

our diets. Along with _pregnant women_

(http://www.newstarget.com/pregnant_women.html) , elderly individuals and people

suffering from depression or

_nervous system_ (http://www.newstarget.com/nervous_system.html) disorders

especially stand to gain from the addition of this B vitamin.

Folic acid, the synthetic form of the B vitamin _folate_

(http://www.newstarget.com/folate.html) , works primarily in the brain and

nervous system and is

necessary for the synthesis of _DNA_ (http://www.newstarget.com/DNA.html) ,

the production of red and white blood cells and of norepinephrine and

_serotonin_ (http://www.newstarget.com/serotonin.html) in the nervous system.

Folic

acid also aids in the elimination of the amino acid _homocysteine_

(http://www.newstarget.com/homocysteine.html) from the blood, a breakdown

product of

_animal protein_ (http://www.newstarget.com/animal_protein.html) (methionine,

actually) that contributes to _heart attacks_

(http://www.newstarget.com/heart_attacks.html) . A lack of folic acid can lead

to _anemia_

(http://www.newstarget.com/anemia.html) , insomnia, irritability and far more

serious health

problems.

Despite its range of health benefits, many Americans are deficient in the

vitamin, coming nowhere near the government's recommended daily allowance of

200 micrograms daily. " The average American gets only 61 percent of the old

Recommended Dietary Allowance, which is too low anyway, " says James Duke, PhD

in

Anti-Aging Prescriptions. Part of the reason for the shortfall is that more

Americans are choosing to eat more animal foods – which are a poor source of

folic acid – rather than folic-acid rich plant foods, like dark _green

vegetables_ (http://www.newstarget.com/green_vegetables.html) , legumes, root

vegetables and _whole grains_ (http://www.newstarget.com/whole_grains.html) .

Dr. Andrew Weil, in Ask Dr. Weil, recommends the use of supplements to make

up for the deficiency. " As many as 90 percent of Americans don't get that

protective 400 micrograms in their diet – for example, you'd have to eat two

cups of steamed _spinach_ (http://www.newstarget.com/spinach.html) , a cup of

boiled lentils, or eight _oranges_ (http://www.newstarget.com/oranges.html)

every day. So it's important to take a supplement, especially if you're a woman

and considering having children someday. " As Dr. Weil suggests, for women who

are deficient in this essential vitamin, the health costs can be especially

high.

Folic acid is essential for pregnant women. Not only does it protect against

_cervical cancer_ (http://www.newstarget.com/cervical_cancer.html) , it also

aids in healthy prenatal development and can significantly reduce the risk of

serious neural tube _birth defects_

(http://www.newstarget.com/birth_defects.html) and abnormalities that occur in

very early fetal development, such as

_spina bifida_ (http://www.newstarget.com/spina_bifida.html) . However,

experts say most women aren't getting adequate levels of folic acid early

enough

to offer the best protection against birth defects.

" Very few women of child bearing years are taking folic acid… If a person

waits until pregnant, the fetal abnormality is already established. All women

of child-bearing age who might become pregnant should be taking 400 mg of

folic acid, " advises Dr. James Howenstine in A Physicians Guide To Natural

Health

Products That Work. To make matters even more difficult, women who take

_birth control_ (http://www.newstarget.com/birth_control.html) pills are

especially prone to deficiency in the B vitamin since birth control pills

actually

produce folic acid deficiency.

Men planning to become fathers need to monitor their folic acid intake as

well, as low folic acid levels in males has been linked to low _sperm count_

(http://www.newstarget.com/sperm_count.html) , and some studies suggest

deficiency can also damage DNA carried by the sperm. Such damaged DNA could

lead to

chromosomal damage in a fetus, according to Bottom Line Yearbook 2004. In

other words, both men and women who plan to have children should increase their

folic acid intake for the sake of their baby-to-be.

Folic acid promotes good health for the mind and body, from the earliest

stages of life to the latest. Men and women over 60 who feel fatigued and

depressed may simply be suffering from a folic acid deficiency. In fact, folic

acid

deficiency has been linked to _depression_

(http://www.newstarget.com/depression.html) in patients of all ages, and

according to Gary Null'sComplete

Guide of Natural Healing, " the lower the level of folic acid in the blood, the

higher the degree of depression. "

Folic acid can also help ward off _dementia_

(http://www.newstarget.com/dementia.html) , according to Patrick Quillin in

Beating Cancer With Nutrition,

who wrote that experts estimate up to 20 percent of senility in older adults is

simply the result of a long-term deficiency of folic acid and _vitamin B-12_

(http://www.newstarget.com/vitamin_B-12.html) , which can be aided by taking

supplements. However, when taking folic acid supplements, it is important to

remember that folic acid and vitamin B-12 work most effectively together, so

you should make sure you are getting enough vitamin B-12, as well. Vegans

often struggle with this balance since their _diets_

(http://www.newstarget.com/diets.html) are very rich in folic acid but not in

B-12.

The meager representation of folic acid in the American diet can be

increased if we all just take a little more care in planning our meals. One way

to up

folic acid consumption is to make sure your diet includes _raw foods_

(http://www.newstarget.com/raw_foods.html) , since heat from cooking easily

destroys

folic acid. And remember, sources of folic acid are plentiful – soybeans,

spinach, _broccoli_ (http://www.newstarget.com/broccoli.html) , cabbage,

peanuts, asparagus, citrus fruits, brussels _sprouts_

(http://www.newstarget.com/sprouts.html) , avocado, sunflower seeds, _orange

juice_

(http://www.newstarget.com/orange_juice.html) and don't forget those leafy

greens – we just have to

be willing to integrate these foods into our diets.

And who wouldn't be willing? After all, some added folic acid could go a

long way in helping keep your nervous and circulatory systems in check, while

also protecting your body from cancer and _heart problems_

(http://www.newstarget.com/heart_problems.html) , as well as promoting healthy

fetal development

in babies. Folic acid is something we need at all stage of life, so we owe it

to ourselves to get enough.

The experts speak on folic acid

General information on folic acid

A study is available from the Washington Council for Responsible Nutrition

that reports women taking Vitamin E over age 50 and folic acid and Zinc during

childbearing years would save Medicare 11 billion dollars, and overall

reduce birth defects and coronary _heart disease_

(http://www.newstarget.com/heart_disease.html) hospital expenses of 20 billion

dollars per year.

Anti-Aging Manual by Joseph B Marion, page 100

WHAT IS IT? Even though your body needs only comparatively minuscule amounts

of folic acid, it is a vital nutrient. Folic acid—along with all the other

nutrients, of course—is your guarantee of optimum physical and mental health.

Your levels of folic acid are dependent on outside sources; your body does

not make it on its own. Furthermore, it needs _vitamin C_

(http://www.newstarget.com/vitamin_C.html) to work properly. It works in

partnership with B12 and

B6, as well as the other _B vitamins_

(http://www.newstarget.com/B_vitamins.html) . Folic acid is essential to the

production of norepinephrine and

serotonin, chemical go-betweens of the nervous system.

Complete Guide Health Nutrition by Gary Null, page 284

Folic acid is one of the B _vitamins_

(http://www.newstarget.com/vitamins.html) that is crucial for the synthesis of

DNA (genetic material) as well as

for many other important cell functions. It was discovered in spinach leaves in

1941 and was named " folate, " after the Latin word for leaf (folium). The

terms folate and folic acid are roughly synonymous. For the sake of simplicity,

I will generally use the latter term. Not surprisingly, this vitamin is

mainly found in green leafy _vegetables_

(http://www.newstarget.com/vegetables.html) . Although folic acid is not an

_antioxidant_

(http://www.newstarget.com/antioxidant.html) , it boosts the antioxidant network

and thus has a place in

our story.

Antioxidants Against Cancer by Ralph Moss PhD, page 92

WHO NEEDS folic acid? If you are pregnant, _elderly_

(http://www.newstarget.com/elderly.html) , or suffer from any sort of nervous

disorder, you may

benefit from additional amounts of folic acid in your diet. Pregnant women, for

instance, must be wary of folic acid deficiency. Folic acid supplementation has

been helpful in preventing abortion and _miscarriage_

(http://www.newstarget.com/miscarriage.html) . The elderly need additional folic

acid, too. If you

are over sixty and depressed, withdrawn, and chronically tired, you may be

deficient in this vital element. Let's look at the results of a study in which

folic acid was added to the diets of elderly individuals: three groups of

patients were used, all with varying degrees of circulation problems. The first

group, those with the least degree of difficulty, experienced improved vision

less than an hour after receiving folic acid. (Among those with circulatory

problems, vision is often impaired because of poor circulation to the optical

tissues.)

Complete Guide Health Nutrition by Gary Null, page 284

Folic acid: a water-soluble vitamin of the B complex essential for the

synthesis of nucleic acids and necessary for making red blood cells

(hematopoiesis), so a deficiency of folic acid results in anemia. After

absorption, it is

successively reduced to dihydro-folic acid and then tetrahydrofolic acid, the

parent compound of the derivatives that act as coenzyme carriers of

one-carbon groups in various metabolic reactions.

Building Wellness with DMG by Roger V Kendall PhD, page 216

Red blood cells are built with Vitamins B-12, folic acid, and B6.

Anti-Aging Manual by Joseph B Marion, page 100

And remember, folic acid can be destroyed by exposure to heat and strong

light.

Complete Guide Health Nutrition by Gary Null, page 286

Recommendations on folic acid

Doctors routinely advise women who are pregnant, or thinking of becoming

pregnant, to supplement folic acid (a B vitamin also known as folate) as a

means

of safeguarding against birth defects such as spinal malformations.

Anti-Aging Prescriptions by James Duke PhD, page 219

It is becoming increasingly obvious that food supplementation is necessary

to prevent _cancer_ (http://www.newstarget.com/cancer.html) and other

diseases. The prestigious Institute of Medicine (IOM) of the National Academy

of

Sciences in 1998 called for supplementation with folic acid and _vitamin B12_

(http://www.newstarget.com/vitamin_B12.html) .

Antioxidants Against Cancer by Ralph Moss PhD, page 10

If you're concerned that your diet might not provide enough vitamin B6 and

folic acid to prevent _stroke_ (http://www.newstarget.com/stroke.html) , Dr.

Lieberman suggests taking supplements of both nutrients. Aim for 300 milligrams

of B6 and 800 micrograms of folic acid a day Vitamin B6 doses this high,

however, should only be taken under medical supervision. Add E for extra

protection.

Blended Medicine by Michael Castleman, page 10

Vegetarians owe it to themselves to be extra careful about their diets. As

Richard W. Vilter, M.D., of the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine,

warns, " Persons who eat absolutely no animal protein (called _vegans_

(http://www.newstarget.com/vegans.html) ) or extreme vegetarians have no source

of

vitamin B12, but much folic acid in their diets. " Frequently in such subjects,

neurologic abnormalities develop of the posterolateral column degeneration

type. This is a situation analogous to a patient with pernicious anemia who is

treated inadequately with a mixed vitamin capsule containing folic acid. "

There is another danger for those who abstain from animal foods, including

_dairy products_ (http://www.newstarget.com/dairy_products.html) : dietary

deficiencies don't show up for five to ten years because the body is able to

hold

some B12 in reserve. Nerve damage may exist without signs of deficiency until

it

is too late. The result of degeneration of the nervous system and the spinal

cord is so irreparable that death may be the result.

Complete Guide Health Nutrition by Gary Null, page 283

Benefits and uses of folic acid

Folic acid is important during the _aging_

(http://www.newstarget.com/aging.html) process because it provides nourishment

for the brain. Folic acid

supports the production of energy and the production of blood cells.

Supplementing with folic acid may help in the treatment of depression.

Alternative Medicine by Burton Goldberg, page 321

Three to four hundred milligrams of vitamin B5 and 150 mg of B6 should be

consumed on a daily basis, while _prescriptions_

(http://www.newstarget.com/prescriptions.html) of folic acid can serve as

natural hormone replacements.

Adequate quantities of essential fatty acids should also be consumed because

they act as natural hormone supplements, prevent cancer, and can alleviate the

symptoms of aging.

Complete Encyclopedia Of Natural Healing by Gary Null PhD, page 258

Folic acid, the synthetic form of the B vitamin folate, is incredibly

important. For one thing, folate is a key regulator of an amino acid called

homocysteine, a breakdown product of animal protein. A number of studies have

connected high levels of homocysteine in the blood to arterial disease and

heart

attacks. Folate helps the body eliminate homocysteine from the blood. Recently,

Dr. Howard Morrison, an epidemiologist in Ottawa, was able to make a direct

connection between folate and heart disease. He looked at folate levels in

the blood of 5,056 men who had participated in a _nutrition_

(http://www.newstarget.com/nutrition.html) study in the 1970s, and he found

that those with

low levels of the vitamin were 69 percent more likely to have died from heart

problems in the years since. Folate also has been found to prevent neural tube

defects (such as spina bifida and anencephaly) in babies, which are caused

when this structure fails to form properly. The neural tube is the embryonic

tissue that later becomes the brain and spinal cord. Apparently folic acid is

essential to its proper development. Earlier this year, the Food and Drug

Administration ordered pasta, rice, and flour makers to add folic acid to their

foods as protection against birth defects.

Ask Dr Weil by Andrew Weil MD, page 98

Proper nutritional supplementation can significantly improve cardiovascular

conditions, as well as prevent them from occurring in the first place. Useful

nutrients include beta carotene; vitamins B3 (niacin), Be, B12, C, and E;

folic acid; the _minerals_ (http://www.newstarget.com/minerals.html) calcium,

chromium, magnesium, _potassium_ (http://www.newstarget.com/potassium.html) ,

and selenium; the _amino acids_ (http://www.newstarget.com/amino_acids.html)

L-arginine, L-taurine, and L-carnitine; coenzyme Q10; and pycnogenol.

Alternative Medicine by Burton Goldberg, page 771

According to some studies, folic acid has been helpful in relieving

depression, even when used in dosages as low as 400 meg. It can also enhance

cerebral

circulation. One study showed that people with low levels of folic acid were

twice as likely as people with adequate levels to have narrowed arteries in

their necks. Psychiatric symptoms also appear to be much higher in people,

particularly elderly people, who have low folic acid levels. In one study, low

folic acid levels increased likelihood of dementia by 300 percent. folic acid

is especially effective at breaking down the common chemical homocysteine,

which is a neurotoxin. An appropriate daily dosage would be 400 meg, the

amount found in many multiple vitamins.

Brain Longevity by Dharma Singh Khalsa M.D. with Cameron Stauth, page 247

Folic acid: This is another member of the vitamin B family, found in

abundance in liver, kidney, _mushrooms_

(http://www.newstarget.com/mushrooms.html) ,

spinach, yeast and green leafy vegetables. It has been used for decades to

prevent and treat certain forms of anemia. But folic acid also increases the

production of white blood cells crucial in the defense against cancer. In the

late 1980s, scientists at the University of Alabama Medical Center found that

the folic acid in dark leafy vegetables, oranges and liver could act together

with vitamin B to prevent injuries to lung tissue and retard the

development of cancer among cigarette _smokers_

(http://www.newstarget.com/smokers.html)

.. These researchers found that smokers whose lung cells were injured had low

levels of both folic acid and vitamin B12. Since these nutrients are

necessary to synthesize DNA, a deficiency of one or both of these vitamins

could

make cells more susceptible to the effects of carcinogens. These vitamins also

offered protection against birth defects and cancerous changes in cervical

cells.

Cancer Therapy by Ralph W Moss PhD, page 42

Floss one to two times daily and then rinse mouth (for one minute) with

several mouthfuls of liquid folic acid (0.1% solution) and then swallow. In one

study, 60 individuals with gingivitis rinsed for one minute two times daily

and had beneficial results. If you cannot find liquid folic acid, buy folic

acid crystals in 800 meg capsules, empty two capsules in _water_

(http://www.newstarget.com/water.html) and use this to gargle.

Alternative Medicine by Burton Goldberg, page 1055

Lipotropic factors are compounds that promote the transportation and

utilization of fats, and help prevent the accumulation of fat in the liver.

They

include methionine, _choline_ (http://www.newstarget.com/choline.html) , folic

acid, and vitamin B12.

Cancer And Natural Medicine by John Boik, page 140

Folic acid helps against uric acid.

Anti-Aging Manual by Joseph B Marion, page 560

The four B vitamins that are most important for your brain are B12, B6, B3,

and folic acid.

Brain Longevity by Dharma Singh Khalsa M.D. with Cameron Stauth, page 246

The body uses 75-99% of its Calcium, with Phosphorus, Boron, Manganese,

Silica, Magnesium, Copper, Zinc, Strontium; Protein; the Vitamins A, B-Complex,

B6, folic acid, Vitamin C, _Vitamin D_

(http://www.newstarget.com/Vitamin_D.html) , and Vitamin K to form bone tissue

and teeth.

Anti-Aging Manual by Joseph B Marion, page 800

The primary nutritional building blocks of both neurotransmitters are the

amino acids tyrosine and phenylalanine. To potentiate the action of these amino

acids, folic acid, _magnesium_ (http://www.newstarget.com/magnesium.html) ,

and vitamins C and B can be taken.

Brain Longevity by Dharma Singh Khalsa M.D. with Cameron Stauth, page 213

Part of the vitamin B complex, folic acid is necessary for synthesis of

nucleic acids and formation of the heme component of hemoglobin in red blood

cells.

Britannica Encyclopedia Volume One, page 674

[Folic acid] is especially helpful for patients with a history of breast

cancer, cervical dysplasia, and smoking. For smokers, it cuts down on the

adverse effects of nicotine on the lungs.

Complete Encyclopedia Of Natural Healing by Gary Null PhD, page 84

Treatments using folic acid

Folic acid is also used in the treatment of cervical dysplasia, a

pre-cancerous condition of the uterus, and for this reason is also given to

women who

take birth control pills or who are pregnant.

Alternative Medicine by Burton Goldberg, page 410

Nerves on edge? Folic acid can help. The Lancet, Britain's prestigious

medical journal, reports, " In the past decade [however] there has been

increasing

interest in the role of folate [folic acid] in neuronal _metabolism_

(http://www.newstarget.com/metabolism.html) , in neuropsychiatric illness, and

in

antiepileptic and convulsant mechanisms. " When a folic acid deficiency occurs,

your nervous system suffers, because there is normally such a high folate

concentration in your cerebrospinal fluid. In many psychiatric and geriatric

patients with mental dysfunctions, deficiency is common. " This is a promising

area

for future research, " The Lancet adds.

Complete Guide Health Nutrition by Gary Null, page 285

Dr. Aesoph adds that _chromium_ (http://www.newstarget.com/chromium.html)

aids in stabilizing the erratic blood sugar seen in alcoholic hypoglycemia,

while choline and folic acid are also commonly cited as important supplements

to

assist in the body's recovery from addiction.

Alternative Medicine by Burton Goldberg, page 480

Homocysteinemia: Persons with elevated levels of homocysteine are at risk

for arteriosclerosis. This can and should be corrected with adequate amounts of

folic acid, B 12, pyridoxine, and trimethylglycine. The only way you can be

sure you are getting adequate amount of therapy is to regularly monitor blood

levels of homocysteine. Current estimates are that 30 to 40% of arterial

disease is related to high levels of homocysteine.

A Physicians Guide To Natural Health Products That Work By James Howenstine

MD, page 220

Vitamin B may help for premenstrual or mid-menstrual cycle acne. Coexisting

gum problems suggest the need for folic acid.

Alternative Medicine by Burton Goldberg, page 988

[For] pins and needles in the legs, take folic acid and B-12.

Anti-Aging Manual by Joseph B Marion, page 1100

Take 5 grams Vitamin C, 1 gram Calcium. 1/2 gram Magnesium, 100 mg.

B-Complex, extra B6, B-12. and folic acid (for severe depression, requires

Vitamin C

for absorption).

Anti-Aging Manual by Joseph B Marion, page 800

Find relief in folic acid. One study found that women who experienced

problems with constipation had low levels of the B vitamin folic acid in their

blood. When the women began taking folic acid supplements, all of their

symptoms

subsided. Try taking up to 5,000 micrograms a day until the condition

subsides, advises clinical nutritionist Shari Lieberman, Ph.D. But check with

your

doctor first, since dosages of folic acid over 1,000 micrograms should only be

taken under medical supervision.

Blended Medicine by Michael Castleman, page 11

Herpes may be helped overnight by chewing folic acid with 500 mg. L-Lysine

twice daily, and Zinc tablets.

Anti-Aging Manual by Joseph B Marion, page 455

If agitation or hyperactivity is seen, it is recommended that folic acid

should be given in the amount of two 800 microgram tablets for each 125 mg of

DMG taken.

Building Wellness with DMG by Roger V Kendall PhD, page 116

Disease prevention with folic acid

Folic acid, a B vitamin, is now known to prevent neural tube defects like

spina bifida, a serious abnormality of early fetal development. Unfortunately,

by the time most women learn they are pregnant, the critical period has

already passed. A major source of folic acid is the cooked greens recommended

in

the program (another is orange juice). If you are contemplating _pregnancy_

(http://www.newstarget.com/pregnancy.html) or think there is any possibility

that you could get pregnant, for insurance take a daily B-complex vitamin

supplement providing 400 micrograms of folic acid.

8 Weeks To Optimum Health By Andrew Weil MD, page 222

Women taking 400 mg of folic acid also have a decreased risk of _heart

attack_ (http://www.newstarget.com/heart_attack.html) and protection against

_Alzheimer's_ (http://www.newstarget.com/Alzheimers.html) Disease and stroke.

After

15 years of 400 mg of folic acid there is a 75% reduction in the number of

women who get colon cancer.

A Physicians Guide To Natural Health Products That Work By James Howenstine

MD, page 19

According to University of Washington researchers, 13,500 to 50,000 deaths

from cardiovascular disease could be prevented every year if everyone took

folic acid (the supplement form of folate) every day. All you need is 200

micrograms a day.

Anti-Aging Prescriptions by James Duke PhD, page 145

SPINA BIFIDA. Failure of the spinal bones to close over nerves arising from

the lower end of the spinal cord. May cause paralysis of the legs and

incontinence. Associated with poverty, bad housing and is more common in Celtic

races and among the sikhs. Most common cause is folic acid deficiency.

Prevention

only. A woman of childbearing age should increase her consumption of food

rich in folic acid, such as Brussels sprouts, spinach, green beans, oranges,

potatoes, wholemeal bread, yeast extract. New evidence suggests health is

determined before birth by a mother's condition during pregnancy. The UK

Department of Health advises 400 micrograms (0.4mg) folic acid until the

twelfth week

of pregnancy.

Bartrams Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine by Thomas Bartram, page 25

Perhaps as much as 30 percent of all heart disease is directly caused by

high homocysteine levels, he says. That's the bad news. The good news is that

three B vitamins—folic acid, B6, and B12—can help convert homocysteine to

methionine or cystine, thus protecting your heart. Dr. Baum recommends taking

800

to 1,000 micrograms of folic acid, 400 micrograms of vitamin B12, and 50

milligrams of vitamin B6 daily.

Alternative Cures by Bill Gottlieb, page 337

....Other nutrients may be equally critical to the prevention of

osteoporosis. " Vitamin K, silicon, boron, folic acid, magnesium, and _manganese_

(http://www.newstarget.com/manganese.html) all play a role in bone building and

need

to be consumed through diet or supplements, " he says. To prevent

osteoporosis, you must get sufficient levels and the proper ratio of these bone

nutrients.

Alternative Medicine by Burton Goldberg, page 840

Sources of folic acid

Folic acid, a B vitamin found in green leafy vegetables, _nuts_

(http://www.newstarget.com/nuts.html) , and whole grains, can prevent neural

tube defects

in fetuses.

Alternative Medicine by Burton Goldberg, page 866

Greens are high in vitamins and minerals, including iron and _calcium_

(http://www.newstarget.com/calcium.html) in forms that the body can absorb and

use

more readily than supplements. For example, they are a major source of folic

acid (folate), a B vitamin that regulates protein metabolism and offers

significant protection against coronary heart disease. ( " Folate " and " foliage "

share the same root.)

8 Weeks To Optimum Health By Andrew Weil MD, page 141

Eat at least eight servings of _fruits and vegetables_

(http://www.newstarget.com/fruits_and_vegetables.html) each day. These

high-fiber, low-fat foods

are typically rich in folic acid and other B vitamins, which reduce the risk

for heart disease by helping to prevent arterial blood clots.

Bottom Line Yearbook 2002 by Bottom Line Personnel, page 331

The leafy green that Popeye made famous is among the best plant sources of

folate. All you need is 200 micrograms a day. You can get more than that from

1/2 cup of spinach (or lentils, pinto beans, lima beans, black-eyed peas, or

sunflower _seeds_ (http://www.newstarget.com/seeds.html) ) or a cup or two of

spinach soup. What a pleasant way to stave off stroke and heart attack! Of

course, spinach and beans aren't the only great sources of folate. Others

include parsley, _cabbage_ (http://www.newstarget.com/cabbage.html) , asparagus,

broccoli, brussels sprouts, endive, okra, avocado, _peanuts_

(http://www.newstarget.com/peanuts.html) , sunflower seeds, and orange juice.

Anti-Aging Prescriptions by James Duke PhD, page 145

A major source of folic acid is the cooked greens recommended in the program

(another is orange juice).

8 Weeks To Optimum Health By Andrew Weil MD, page 222

Beetroot is rich in potassium, folic acid, and the antioxidant glutathione.

Alternative Medicine by Burton Goldberg, page 173

Legumes: Peas and beans, such as kidney, lima, soybean, navy, black, and

lentils, are loaded with protein, folic acid, and amino acids.

Alternative Medicine by Burton Goldberg, page 192

Diets rich in folic acid and B vitamins would turn out to have such powerful

benefits for the heart that they could outweigh such " sins " as moderate red

meat intake. Could the public be blamed for its confusion?

Betrayal Of Trust By Laurie Garrett, page 394

Folic acid—This substance protects against cervical cancer and is necessary

for proper synthesis of RNA and DNA. It is found in beets, cabbage, dark

leafy vegetables, eggs, dairy products, citrus _fruits_

(http://www.newstarget.com/fruits.html) , and most fish.

Alternative Medicine by Burton Goldberg, page 591

Dietary folate sources include leafy and dark green vegetables, citrus

fruits, cereals, beans, poultry, and egg yolks, but free folic acid occurs only

in

supplements.

Britannica Encyclopedia Volume One, page 674

Folic acid [is] found in whole grains, chickpeas, _soybeans_

(http://www.newstarget.com/soybeans.html) , spinach, broccoli, and cabbage)…

Alternative Medicine by Burton Goldberg, page 745

Probiotics help suppress the growth of yeast, improve digestion by

increasing the production of some enzymes, produce acids that fight bacteria,

and

manufacture nutrients such as vitamins K, Bi, B2, B3, B12, and folic acid.

Alternative Medicine by Burton Goldberg, page 908

Foods rich in folic acid include spinach and other dark green leafy

vegetables, broccoli, asparagus, and whole wheat.

Blended Medicine by Michael Castleman, page 10

Many women have also long esteemed certain wild mushrooms, which some

thought to be special gifts from Mother Earth. As we now know, naturally grown

mushrooms (as opposed to commercial mushrooms grown in the dark) contain folic

acid, which helps to prevent birth defects. These delicious and abundant

choices, which do not have any poisonous look-alikes, can be eaten when they

are

underripe.

American Indian Healing Arts by E.Barrie Kavasch and Karen Baar, page 146

Folic acid deficiencies

Folic acid may be the most common vitamin deficiency in the world, since

more people are choosing animal foods (poor source of folic acid) over plant

foods. The name, folic acid, comes from the Latin term " folium " , meaning

foliage, since dark green leafy vegetables are a rich source of folic acid.

Other

good sources of folic acid include brewer's yeast, legumes, asparagus, oranges,

cabbage, root vegetables and whole grains. Since folic acid is essential for

all new cell growth, disturbances in folic acid metabolism are far reaching,

including heart disease (due to more homocysteine in the blood), birth

defects, immune suppression, cancer, premature senility and a long list of

other

conditions. Without adequate folate in the diet, cell growth is like a drunk

driver heading down the highway—more likely to do some harm than not.

Beating Cancer With Nutrition by Patrick Quillin, page 180

Birth Control Pills: These pills produce folic acid deficiency. Where there

is a lack of folic acid, homocysteine blood levels rise and this is

associated with osteoporosis.

A Physicians Guide To Natural Health Products That Work By James Howenstine

MD, page 130

Men Need folic acid too. Low folic acid levels in men are associated with

low sperm count. A recent study has led investigators to hypothesize that low

folic acid could also damage the DNA that sperm carry—which could lead to

chromosomal damage in a fetus. Self-defense: Eat plenty of folate-rich fruits

and

vegetables and fortified grain products.

Bottom Line Yearbook 2004 by Bottom Line Personnel, page 334

B12 anemia is often accompanied by folic acid anemia. One of the reasons

folic acid is important is that it fosters healthy prenatal development: It

aids

in the prevention of birth defects, such as those of the neural tube, and is

crucial for proper cell production in the growing fetus. Folic acid is

easily consumed by heat; hence, diets that consist primarily of cooked foods,

with

few raw foods included, often result in this type of deficiency. In

addition, young children may develop a folic acid deficiency if they are given

goat's

milk. (Although superior to cow's milk in many ways, goat's milk lacks folic

acid.) Teenagers and adults who are vegetarians may also fall victim to this

form of anemia if they do not carefully balance their diets. Finally, folic

acid anemia can be induced by alcoholism, which completely drains the body of

this nutrient, and by the consumption of certain prescription drugs, such as

oral contraceptives and anticancer drugs.

Complete Encyclopedia Of Natural Healing by Gary Null PhD, page 32

Experts have estimated that up to 20% of all senility in older adults is

merely a long term deficiency of folic acid and vitamin B-12. The RDA of folate

is 200 meg for adults and 400 meg for pregnant women, although the Center for

Disease Control has recommended that 800 meg of folic acid would prevent

most cases of spinal bifida. Without adequate folic acid in the body, there is

a

buildup of homocysteine in the blood, which probably generates 10% or more

of the 1 million cases of heart disease each year in the U.S.

Beating Cancer With Nutrition by Patrick Quillin, page 180

Deficiencies of folic acid and vitamin B12 may cause some cases of recurrent

canker sores, says Flora Parsa Stay, D.D.S., a dentist in Oxnard,

California. If you have recurrent sores, she recommends taking 400 micrograms

of folic

acid and 200 micrograms of vitamin B12 daily.

Alternative Cures by Bill Gottlieb, page 142

Persons with _AIDS_ (http://www.newstarget.com/AIDS.html) are often

deficient in folic acid, selenium, _zinc_ (http://www.newstarget.com/zinc.html)

, and

iron.

Alternative Medicine by Burton Goldberg, page 497

Deficiencies in vitamins B6, B12, and folic acid can trigger such

neurological changes as a drop in alertness and memory ability as well as

numbness and

tingling in the legs.

BioMarkers by Williams Evans PhD and Irwin H Rosenberg MD, page 250

Reduced levels of certain vitamins, minerals, and amino acids have been

tentatively linked with Alzheimer's, including folic acid, niacin (vitamin B3),

thiamin (vitamin Bi), vitamins Be, B12, C, D, and E, magnesium, selenium,

zinc, and tryptophan.

Alternative Medicine by Burton Goldberg, page 524

The elderly generally are deficient in Calories, Protein, Iron, Vitamins A

and C, Calcium, the B-Complex, especially B-12 and folic acid, and that's with

70% of _the elderly_ (http://www.newstarget.com/the_elderly.html) in

institutions where the diets are carefully planned.

Anti-Aging Manual by Joseph B Marion, page 315

Low levels of folic acid, vitamin B12, pyridoxine, iron, and magnesium are

some of the most commonly implicated nutritional influences on depression.

Beat Depression with St John's Wort by Steven Bratman, page 103

[Folate] anemia resulting from too little folic acid, needed for

red-blood-cell maturation (see erythrocyte). White-cell and platelet levels are

also

often low. Progressive gastrointestinal problems develop. It may result from

poor diet or from malabsorption, cirrhosis of the liver, or anticonvulsant

drugs; it may also occur in the last three months of pregnancy and in severe

hemolytic anemia (in which red cells break down). The blood profile resembles

that

of pernicious anemia. Taking folic acid causes rapid improvement; an

adequate diet cures cases caused by malnutrition.

Britannica Encyclopedia Volume One, page 674

 

 

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