Naturopathic Information - MICROgenics Folic Acid 500mcg

Folic acid (folate) is a member of the B-complex family. It is found in abundance in leafy green vegetables, but is often deficient in the standard Western diet. Folic acid participates in a coenzyme reaction that synthesizes DNA bases needed for cell growth and new cell formation and helps convert vitamin B12 to one of its coenzyme forms.

• Helps protect chromosomes against genetic damage
• Helps prevent pregnancy complications such as birth defects, including neural tube defects, and certain heart defects and limb malformations
• Maintains already normal homocysteine levels which is important for heart health
• Participates in the utilization of sugar and amino acids carbohydrates
• Promotes healthier skin
• Helps maintain a healthy GI tract
• Maintains healthy endothelial function
• Improves mild memory problems associated with aging

Women’s Health / Pre-conception

• MICROgenics Folic Acid 500 may reduce the risk of a woman having a child with birth defects of the brain &/or spinal cord such as spina bifida and anencephaly if taken in conjunction with a healthy diet.
• Poor folate status 1 month prior to conception and during the first trimester of pregnancy is an independent risk factor for neural tube defects. Supplementing with folic acid during this time may reduce this risk.
• Spina bifida is a developmental birth defect involving the neural tube whereby incomplete closure of the embryonic neural tube results in an incompletely formed spinal cord.
• A Scientific review on the role of folic acid and the outcome in pregnancy found that during pregnancy, low concentrations of dietary and circulating folate are associated with increased risks of preterm delivery, infant low birth weight, and fetal growth problems.

Cell Health & Healthy Ageing

• Folate plays a fundamental role in cell division and DNA synthesis. In order to divide properly cells need adequate folate. A deficiency in folate will particularly impact cells that have a high turnover such as in pregnancy and fetal tissue development, blood and gastrointestinal cells.
• Folic acid is considered a blood tonic as it helps to maintain normal healthy blood.
• May reduce the risk of folic acid deficiency. Cardiovascular Health
• Folic acid deficiency may lead to elevated levels of the amino acid homocysteine. Elevated levels of homocysteine are an independent risk factor for cardiovascular problems. Folic acid, Vitamin B12 and B6 work synergistically to metabolilse and reduce homocysteine levels in the blood, supporting a healthy heart and cardiovascular system. Nervous System
• Folate deficiency may occur in mood disorders, supplementing with folic acid may assist in maintaining a healthy nervous system.
• Good dietary sources of folate are fresh leafy green vegetables such as cabbage, spinach, broccoli, sprouts, organ meats, and fortified cereals. Unfortunately, food preparation and processing can destroy almost 50-95% of folate as it is heat, light and air sensitive.
• It is recommended to very lightly steam or eat fresh leafy greens to obtain folate in the diet. Pregnant women may still require supplementation in order to achieve adequate levels.