What is Folic Acid? Folic Acid Deficiency and Treatment
Folic acid, also known as pteroylmonoglutamic acid, is a water-soluble form of vitamin B9.
Folic acid is often confused with folate. Folate is a naturally occurring vitamin found in foods, while folic acid is a synthetic form of this vitamin. Folic acid taken daily from food is not stored in the body. It is used by the body as much as necessary and the excess is excreted by the kidneys.
In addition to being taken from food, folic acid can also be synthesized by bacteria found in the intestinal flora. However, the amount of folic acid synthesized by the bacteria in the intestinal flora is not sufficient and the daily requirement must be met through nutrition.
Certain ailments, alcohol consumption and pregnancy are some of the conditions that trigger folic acid deficiency. Folic acid, which has many functions such as the production of nucleic acids in the DNA structure and the production of blood cells, is a very important type of vitamin B for the functioning of the body. For this reason, if its deficiency is detected, it should be taken with the necessary diets under the control of a doctor. Apart from this, folic acid supplements may also be needed as a result of the doctor's decision, but since most foods contain this type of vitamin, folic acid deficiency is a rare condition.
What is the role of folic acid?
Folic acid is a vitamin B derivative involved in many functions of the body. In case of folic acid deficiency, a type of anemia known as "megaloblastic anemia" occurs and can bring disruption in body functions.
Folic acid functions are as follows:
Cell division and DNA synthesis Production of red and white blood cells in the bone marrow Development of the baby's nervous system in the womb: Accordingly, folic acid deficiency during pregnancy is harmful to the development of the baby.
What are the Benefits of Folic Acid?
The benefits of folic acid, which is involved in many body functions, especially DNA synthesis, are listed as follows:
With the task of producing red and white blood cells in the bone marrow; It contributes to body defense with white blood cells and provides oxygen transport in the blood with red blood cells, It helps in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, Protects heart health by controlling high homocysteine levels, It can reduce the risk of developing depression, Provides the formation and development of reproductive cells.
Which Foods Contain Folic Acid?
Folic acid is broken down as a result of the exposure of the food to heat. Also; its breakdown in a heat containing water occurs at a higher level than in a dry environment. For this reason, when foods containing folic acid are cooked in an aqueous and hot environment, vitamins are lost. For this reason, if any food containing folic acid is to be cooked in water, it should be consumed with water.
Foods containing folic acid are as follows:
Eggs Legumes beans, lentils, peas, chickpeas, broad beans, cowpeas etc. Green leafy vegetables Asparagus Wheat germ Tropical fruits Beetroot Turnip Brussels sprouts Citrus fruits: Oranges, lemons, tangerines, grapefruit, etc. Shelled nuts Beef liver
