Where does folic acid come from?

Folic acid comes from fortified bread and grain products such as cereals, broccoli, spinach, orange juice, raspberries, black beans, asparagus, white beans, turnip and collard greens, peanuts, and sunflower seeds.

Why do we need folic acid?

Folic acid is necessary for the formation of red blood cells. Folate is needed to make DNA and RNA, the building blocks of cells. Folic acid (folate) helps prevent changes to DNA that can lead to cancer.

Women of childbearing age should make sure they are not deficient in levels of folic acid because of an increased risk of birth defects that can cause spinal or brain damage. The damage can be done prior to the mother realizing she is pregnant.

What happens if we have a folic acid deficiency?

A folic acid deficiency can be evidenced by the following symptoms: anemia, sore tongue, cracks at the corners of the mouth, diarrhea, ulcers, loss of appetite, heart palpitation, headaches, birth defects if the mother has a deficiency at the time of becoming pregnant.

For a complete list of symptoms of vitamin and mineral deficiencies, please visit our vitamin deficiency page.

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