 Body Chemistry - Folic Acid |
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What is folic acid, and why is it important?
If you're taking estrogen (or even if you're not), you should pay attention to getting enough folic acid. Estrogen uses it up when going through the liver, so deficiencies can occur.
Folic acid, or folate, is a B vitamin that helps the body to make new cells. You can usually get what you need through food alone, but supplementing with a daily multivitamin or B-complex vitamin is not a bad idea. Choose one that contains 400 mcg of folate or says “100%” for the daily recommended dose of folic acid for women. Foods that are high in folic acid include some breakfast cereals, breads, pastas, cornmeal, and white rice. Keeping a sufficient level of folic acid in your system may contribute to heart health and may help fight the cell changes that contribute to cancer.
Here are some more interesting facts about folic acid and folate deficiency:- Many side effects of estrogen treatments are also signs of folic acid deficiency (Alzheimer's, atherosclerosis, stroke, heart attack, osteoporosis, depression, hearing problems).
- Folic acid is necessary for the maintenance of our DNA—adenine and thymine can't be made without it.
- Low folic acid means high homocysteine, which is very bad for heart health and maybe for some cancers. Adding B6 and B12 also help with homocysteine levels.
- 38% of people with depression have low folic acid. Adding it can help with the depression in these people.
- Low folic acid levels are connected to cervical cancer.
- A Harvard Medical School study indicated that women taking folic acid had a four times lower risk of developing colon cancer.
- Diabetes patients tend to have high homocysteine, so folic acid might help with that.
- Cooking destroys folate, so spinach salad is the best food source.
- The best recommendation is to take a B complex because the B vitamins work together.
This content was written by staff of HysterSisters.com by non-medical professionals based on discussions, resources and input from other patients for the purpose of patient-to-patient support.
Bruce Pierce, M.D.
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Sherry L Neyman, M.D.
Renaissance Women's Group
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Susan Carter, M.D.
North Colorado Medical Center/ MCR
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Greeley CO 80631
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Elizabeth C Chase, M.D.
770 Central Avenue
Garrison Women's Health Center
Dover NH 03820
603-742-0101 |
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-- January NewsletterPost Hysterectomy Fitness and Health is the theme of our January, 2012 newsletter at HysterSisters.com. Visit this link [ More]...
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