| Vitamin B9, also commonly referred to as Folic Acid is | | | | developing fetus. |
| a member of the B-Complex family and is a water | | | | This tube eventually grows to become the spine, spinal |
| soluble vitamin. Since this vitamin is easily broken down | | | | cord, skull and brain. The presence of Folic acid |
| during the food preparation process and easily | | | | ensures the closure of the neural tube so that amniotic |
| eliminated through the urine, it should be constantly | | | | fluid doesn't seep into the tube's development. Failure |
| replenished. | | | | to close the tube can make the fetus vulnerable to |
| Like most other B-complex vitamins , Folic Acid also | | | | birth defects such as anencephaly or spinal bifida. |
| helps to metabolize fats, proteins and carbohydrates | | | | Some excellent sources of Vitamin B9 are green leafy |
| so that they can be converted into energy that the | | | | vegetables like spinach and asparagus. Nuts, beans, |
| body can use. | | | | poultry, pork, whole grains, organ meats including liver |
| Vitamin B9 helps in the production of new red blood | | | | and kidney as well as citrus fruits and juices also are |
| cells as well as DNA and other nucleic acids. It even | | | | good sources of folic acid. |
| helps to fight against the heart disease causing amino | | | | Although there is no real danger if one consumes |
| acids called 'Homocysteine'. | | | | excess quantities of Vitamin B9, care should be taken |
| Folic Acid is also responsible for the production of | | | | to have it in moderation. The daily recommended |
| Heme, the pigmented part of the red blood cells that | | | | intake of Folic acid is around 300 micrograms for |
| carry iron. | | | | women and about 330 micrograms for men. Pregnant |
| Folic Acid is also known to fight against the onset of | | | | mothers, especially those in their early stages of |
| cervical cancer and aid in the digestive process. It | | | | pregnancy and women who are attempting to |
| plays a significant role in repairing damaged tissues and | | | | conceive should increase their dosage to about 400 |
| is also involved in the development of Serotonin, the | | | | micrograms a day. |
| neurotransmitter responsible for regulating mood, sleep | | | | Women who consume excessive alcohol, pregnant |
| and ones appetite. | | | | women, the elderly and women on the birth control pill |
| For women who are planning to conceive they must | | | | are more likely to suffer from a Vitamin B9 deficiency. |
| consume adequate amounts of Folic acid as it helps to | | | | Symptoms of a Vitamin B9 deficiency can include |
| protect the growing fetus from dangerous conditions | | | | apathy, shortness of breath, depression, dizziness and |
| such as spinal bifida. Four to six weeks following | | | | anemia. In some cases problems with memory and |
| conception, the neural tube begins to form in the | | | | imparied brain and nerve function can also result. |