Why Focus on Folic Acid?

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Why Focus on Folic Acid?

It's National Folic Acid Week, so it's a fitting time to give this essential

vitamin the attention it deserves! Folate, the natural form of folic acid, is a

B-vitamin found in many foods, including leafy green vegetables, beans, and

asparagus. Folic acid, the synthetic form of the vitamin, is added to fortified

foods (such as cereals) and is found in supplements. Both play a key role in

healthy cell growth and also help in the production of red blood cells, which

are important for fending off anemia. In addition to their other roles, folate

and folic acid may improve cardiovascular health by teaming with vitamins B6 and

B12 to lower homocysteine, an amino acid in the blood. An excess of homocysteine

is linked to an increased risk of coronary heart disease, peripheral vascular

disease, and stroke. Individuals with high homocysteine levels may also develop

atherosclerosis, a buildup of plaque that causes the arteries to narrow and

harden. " Meeting your folate requirements by increasing your intake of

delicious, folate-rich foods will help moderate homocysteine levels, " says Dr.

Arthur Agatston, preventive cardiologist and author of The South Beach DietT.

The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for folate is 400 micrograms for all

adults. Women of childbearing age need to be particularly vigilant about meeting

this requirement and, upon the recommendation of a physician, may need higher

doses, since folate can prevent up to 70 percent of neural tube birth defects

(such as spina bifida) and can also help prevent cleft lip and cleft palate.

Meeting your folate needs may have other benefits as well. Research suggests

that folate may reduce the risk of colon, cervical, and breast cancers, and it

has also been connected to the prevention of Alzheimer's disease by protecting

the neurons necessary for learning and memory.

Fortunately, folate is abundant in many foods enjoyed on every Phase of The

South Beach DietT. In addition, in 1998, the FDA began requiring folic acid

fortification of enriched breads, cereals, flours, pastas, rice, and other grain

products to help ensure that people meet their requirement of this nutrient.

Enjoy whole-grain versions of these products beginning in Phase 2 of The South

Beach DietT.