Vitamin B-9 – Folic Acid/Folate

Folic acid (vitamin B-9) works with vitamin B-12 and vitamin C to help the body digest and utilize proteins.

It is necessary for the production of red blood cells and for the synthesis of DNA (which controls heredity and normal cell functions). One source said that it helps prevent premature greying. I always suspected that there was a vitamin connection!

Folic acid also helps with tissue growth. It helps to increase appetite when needed and stimulates the formation of digestive acids.

According to one study, 200 micrograms of folic acid, the amount found in 3/4 cup of cooked spinach, alleviates depression and reverses memory loss. A recent release on the AFP stated that a deficiency is linked to tripled risk of dementia.

Folic acid deficiency may cause poor growth, graying hair, hair loss, inflammation of the tongue mouth ulcers, peptic ulcer, and diarrhea. It may also lead to certain types of anemias.

The newest research shows that folic acid helps reduce homocysteine levels. You may have heard of high homocysteine levels being tied to heart disease. Now they have discovered a possible link between high homocysteine levels and hearing loss.

Folic acid needs B 12 to work effectively.

Where to get it –

Asparagus, avocado, beans, beets, berries, broccoli, citrus fruits and juices, dark greens, green peppers, liver, mushrooms, nuts, oranges, peas, peanuts, poultry, pork, rye, shellfish, spinach, wheat bran, whole grains