FOLIC ACID ...A WONDER DRUG

Folic acid also called folate; folacin or vitamin b9 is needed to make healthy new cells in our body. Lack of folic acid in the body may lead to a condition called anaemia which is shortage of red blood cells.
Folic acid and you
Folic acid is needed for normal cell growth. This vitamin helps to
• Build healthy blood cells.
• Prevent neural tube defects of the brain and spinal cord.
• Reduces levels of a blood chemical (homocysteine) that may increase your risk of heart disease.
Sources of folic acid
When you think of the word folic acid think of the word foliage. Plants are good source and the main food source of folic acid. some good sources includes dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach,lettuce,and other vegetables available in our environment, black beans, dried beans,avocados,oranges,orange juice, wheat germs, whole wheat products fortified with folic acids such as cereals,pasta,bread,rice etc.
Why use folic acid
Taking folic acids helps prevent serious health problems such as Births defects, Heart disease, Alcoholics Pre –conception, Infertility, Those of childbearing age,
Sicklers,Those on anticonvulsant (antiepileptic drugs) Those with low blood level.

Conditions that cause increase body need for folic acid.
anemia,diarrhea,prolonged fever,haemodialysis,long term illness, intestinal disease, liver disuse, long time stres,surgical removal of stomachc,breastfedinfants,pre term babies
signs and symptoms of folic acid deficiency
poor growth, graying of hairs, inflammation of the tongue, glossitis, mouth ulcers, peptic ulcer and diarrhea.it may also lead to certain types of anaemiea, congenital abnormality like neural birth defects.
TIPS
• eat healthy diet to provide all the nutrients your body need
• those having these signs and symptoms should take high dose of folic acids
• in those with deficiency the body stores are replenished after few weeks of therapy, your doctor is the best judge to decide the duration for which you should take the drugs.
• Those with sickle cell disease will take the drug for life.
• choose a supplement that provides 400-800mcg of folic acid
• store the supplement in cool dry place away from the sun and heat
• check the expiry date,the recommended daily values is 400mcg
• folic acid supplementation does not have side effects as the drugs is water soluble vitamins and excreted in the body.