Folic Acid

Written By Live Naturally
Dated: July 31, 2006

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Folic Acid is essential for the growth and development of cells and the normal function of the nervous system (along with vitamin B12). It also helps to regulate histamine levels and is vital for the normal development of the neural tube in the foetus.

The Recommended Daily Allowance is 200 micrograms (although for women planning a pregnancy it is advised to take 400 micrograms up to the end of the 12th week of
pregnancy). Dietary sources are leafy green vegetables (particularly spinach and curly kale), sprouts, broccoli, brewer’s yeast, wholegrain cereals, liver, kidney, oranges and pulses.

Signs of deficiency can be lethargy, anaemia, shortness of breath, depression, nerve damage, neural tube defects (such as spina bifida) in babies.