Ellen Campbell -Grizzle
FOLIC ACID is a member of the water-soluble B vitamin group, essential for cell replication and growth. It is necessary for the production of both DNA and RNA and the transmission of the genetic code to all newly-formed cells.
Folic acid plays an important role in maintaining the health of red blood cells and the production of proteins and various amino acids. It is found in broccoli, green beans, oranges, beets, wheat germ, yeast and beef extracts.
In 1996, the American Food and Drug Administration (FDA) began to require that all enriched flour; rice, pasta, cornmeal and other grain products contain 140 mcg of folic acid per 100 grams. If you are planning to become pregnant, the international daily recommen-dation is 400mcg (which may also be shown on the label as 400mcg, 400ug or 0.4 mg folic acid) until the end of the 12th week of pregnancy.
Research has shown that pregnant women who take more folic acid when their baby's spine is forming greatly reduce the risk of their baby having a neural tube defect (an abnormality caused by the brain and spinal cord failing to develop properly) such as spina bifida. Because babies' spines develop in the earliest stages of pregnancy, your doctor may suggest extra folic acid as soon as you stop using contraceptives and until the twelfth week of pregnancy. If you are thinking about children in the future, it is important to know about the benefits of folic acid so you are fully prepared when that time comes.
HOW DO YOU GET ENOUGH FOLIC ACID?
Although some multivitamin preparations contain folic acid, they probably contain less than you need. Do not be tempted to take more of them just to give yourself the right amount of folic acid. You may end up taking more of the other vitamins and minerals than you need.
As part of a healthy balanced diet, it is recommended that people eat at least five portions of fruits and vegetables every day. You can eat more of those rich in folic acid such as green leafy vegetables and beans but do not overcook them.
DEFICIENT PERSONS
Scientists have found that people with heart disease commonly have elevated blood levels of homocysteine. This abnormality is controlled with folic acid supplements. Deficiency is common among alcoholics, persons with malabsorption disorders, those taking proteolytic enzymes and women on birth control pills. A variety of medicines interfere with folic acid. Your pharmacist will be able to explain to you how these medicines will interact with folic acid and discuss medication management. Pregnancy, leukaemia and diseases that cause the destruction of red blood cells will increase the body's need for folic acid.
Folic acid is not generally associated with side effects. It is one of the vitamins your body gets rid of naturally if you take more than you need. However, it can interfere with the laboratory diagnosis of vitamin B12 deficiency. This problem is rare but, when it occurs, may progress to the point of irreversible nerve damage.
Remember, if you are less than 12 weeks pregnant or intend to get pregnant, make sure that you eat foods that are folic acid rich and talk to your doctor about the value of folic acid supplementation.
Ellen Campbell-Grizzle, president, Caribbean Association of Pharmacists; director, Information and Research, National Council on Drug Abuse; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.
