Folic acid is a water-soluble vitamin from the B complex and is also known as vitamin B9. It needs to be ingested continuously and in sufficient quantities through the diet as it is essential to the body. The folic acid takes on very important tasks in the organism, it has, inter alia, in numerous metabolic processes, especially in processes in the protein and fat metabolism. In addition, she is involved in the formation of new cells and cell division. Folic acid also contributes to the formation of DNA and to the development and maturation of red blood cells. All of these processes are essential to the functioning of the human body, so care should be taken to supply enough folic acid through the diet. However, this is easier said than done: only a small proportion of the dietary folic acid can be utilized by the body. The reason for this is that for the organism only a small part of the folic acid is freely present in the food and can be absorbed through the intestine. In addition, the vitamin is extremely sensitive to light and heat and soluble in water, thereby much of it is lost during storage and preparation. Excessive consumption of alcohol or certain medicines can also inhibit the usability of folic acid. These factors contribute to the fact that a folic acid deficiency is not uncommon and hardly anyone can cover the daily requirement of 300 - 600 μg. Folate-rich foods include liver, lettuce, spinach, legumes or nuts. Possible symptoms of folic acid deficiency may be mucosal damage, fatigue, difficulty concentrating or weakened defense. But also anemia or maturation disorders of red blood cells are quite possible. Special care should be taken by pregnant women, folic acid deficiency during this time can have fatal consequences for the unborn child. Among other things, developmental disorders or malformations may occur. The risk of the child suffering from a neural tube defect is also increased. It may even come to premature birth or miscarriage. That's why women should resort to folic acid supplements during pregnancy.
