Vitamin B₉ (Folic Acid)

B₁     B₂     B₃     B₅     B₆     B₇    Vitamin B₉      B₁₂

Vitamin B₉, a water soluble vitamin, is known both as folate and folic acid. Folic acid is the form used in the vitamin supplements and is known to occur rarely in food sources and in human body.
Folate is found in food and our bodies and occurs naturally in several chemical forms.
One of the very important function of folic acid is in foetal development.
A number of congenital defects can be avoided if folic acid is taken during the period of preconception to the total length of pregnancy.
Folic acid is essential for the cell division and growth and maturation of the body cells , especially nerve cells and red blood cells.
Folic acid enhances brain functions and memory and treats depression, migraine and anxiety conditions.
Folic acid is believed to reduce the risk of heart attacks and stroke.

peas are good source of vitamin B₉

For keeping the fertility in prime condition foliate is essential for both women and men.
In women right from oocyte maturation, folic acid contributes to all the reproductive activities.
In men folate contributes towards healthy spermatogenesis.
Folic acid along with vitamin B₆ and B₁₂ is found to reduce the risk of macular degeneration in old age.
It is believed that folate may reduce the risk of cancers of recto-colon, breast and ovary.

Deficiency

Alcoholism, prolonged use of antibiotics and impaired intestinal absorption may lead to deficiency of folic acid.
Certain drugs like 'sulfa' drugs may also interfere with folic acid absorption.
Deficiency of folate can cause gingivitis, oral inflammation, retarded growth, dementia and diarrhoea.
Deficiency during pregnancy may affect the foetus severely and cause defects in neural tube and many birth defects like cleft palate, defects of skull, nervous system, spine and brain.
Folic acid deficiency can cause reduced fertility.

Toxicity

Toxicity of high doses of folic acid is rarely encountered.
Person taking epilepsy drugs must be careful as folic acid in high doses may make the epilepsy drug ineffective.

Sources

Liver, meat, liver oils, chicken, fish, whole grains, cereals, legumes, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are excellent sources of vitamin B₁₂

LIST OF B COMPLEX VITAMINS
VITAMIN B1
VITAMIN B2
VITAMIN B3
VITAMIN B5
VITAMIN B6
VITAMIN B7
VITAMIN B9
VITAMIN B12