What is it:
Vitamin B-9, otherwise known as folic acid, serves as a coenzyme during the creation of DNA. This vitamin is also very important to the growth and reproduction of all body cells, including red blood cells.
What does it do:
Formation of red blood cells
Creation of genetic material
Promotes a healthy pregnancy by regulating the nervous system development of the fetus
Helps treat anemia resulting from folic acid deficiency
Functions to metabolize proteins
Cervical dysplasia may be reduced
Symptoms of deficiency:
Symptoms include anemia, mood disorders and gastrointestinal disorders. Neural tube defects may occur when a deficiency occurs during pregnancy
Overdose/Cautions:
In large doses, the following may occur:
Loss of appetite,
Nausea,
Flatulence,
Abdominal distension,
May produce folacin crystals in kidney
Natural food sources:
Asparagus,
Avocados,
Bananas,
Beans,
Beets,
Brewer’s yeast,
Brussels sprouts,
Cabbage,
Calf liver,
Cantaloupe,
Citrus fruits/juices,
Endive,
Fortified grain products,
Garbanzo beans (chickpeas),
Green - leafy,
vegetables,
Lentils,
Sprouts,
Wheat germ