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folic acid

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folic acid

Vitamin of the B complex. It is found in liver, legumes and green leafy vegetables, and whole grain foods, and is also synthesized by the intestinal bacteria. It is essential for growth, and plays many other roles in the body. Lack of folic acid causes anaemia because it is necessary for the synthesis of nucleic acids and the formation of red blood cells.

From January 1998 the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) made it a legal requirement that food manufacturers fortify certain foods, such as bread, pasta, and flour, with folic acid to reduce the number of babies born with nervous system disorders due to maternal deficiencies. An estimated 1,000 babies are born in the USA each year with such defects.

Daily consumption of folic acid for a month before conception and for the first three months of pregnancy cuts the risk of neural tube defects, such as spina bifida, by 75%.



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? Mentioned in ? References in periodicals archive
 
The nutrient folic acid is generally good for brain health, but research now suggests that too much of it might harm people who get too little vitamin [B.
Folic acid dilemma: one vitamin may impair cognition if another is ... by Harder, B. / Science News
Roughly 5,400 participants in the Women's Antioxidant and Folic Acid Cardiovascular Study (WAFACS) were given either a daily placebo or folic acid (2,500 micrograms), vitamin B-6 (50 milligrams), and vitamin B-12 (1,000 micrograms) for roughly seven years.
No heart help by Nutrition Action Healthletter
Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is developing a standard for mandatory fortification of bread with folic acid to reduce the incidence of neural tube defects such as spina bifida.
Folic Acid in bread by Australian Nursing Journal
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