Table of Contents
Folic acid is a type of B vitamin. It is the man-made (synthetic) form of folate that is found in supplements and added to fortified foods.
Folic acid is water-soluble. Water-soluble vitamins dissolve in water. Leftover amounts of the vitamin leave the body through the urine. That means your body does not store folic acid and you need a continuous supply of the vitamin in the foods you eat.
Alternative Names
Folic acid; Polyglutamyl folacin; Pteroylmonoglutamate
Function
Folate helps tissues grow and cells work. Taking the right amount of folic acid before and during pregnancy helps prevent certain birth defects, including spina bifida. Folate also helps prevent anemia.
See:
Folic acid deficiency may cause:
Diarrhea - Gray hair
Mouth ulcers Peptic ulcer - Poor growth
- Swollen tongue (
glossitis )
It may also lead to certain types of
Folate works along with
Folic acid supplements may also be used to treat folic acid deficiency, certain menstrual problems, and
Review Date: 02/08/2011
Reviewed By: Alison Evert, MS, RD, CDE, Nutritionist, University of Washington
Medical Center Diabetes Care Center, Seattle, Washington. Also
reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
