Folic Acid/B-12

Folic acid produces many health benefits. The Journal of the American Medical Association says that folic acid can prevent atherosclerosis caused by hyperhomocysteinemia. It is depleted through the use of many prescription drugs.

Folic acid is a member of the B complex and is often deficient in the diet. Folic acid helps protect the chromosomes, is needed for the utilization of sugar and amino acids, promotes healthier skin and helps protect against intestinal parasites and food poisoning. The United States RDA of 400 mcgs is what is needed for optimal health. Studies show that folic acid in high doses can protect a body from cardiovascular disease. The FDA has finally allowed the claim that Folic acid can prevent Spina Bifida, and that women of child-bearing age should have more folic acid in their diet.

Folic acid should be taken with Vitamin-B12 to prevent the folic acid from masking a B12 deficiency. Life Extension  offers only folic acid capsules that contain Vitamin-B12. Many elderly people suffering from neurological impairment find that B12 supplementation greatly improves their cognitive function. Published studies show that Vitamin-B12 in supplement form absorbs better in elderly people than Vitamin-B12 that is bound to food. Those taking folic acid powder should add Vitamin-B12 powder to their daily folic acid powder supplement.

The following prescription drugs are some of those that deplete Folic acid:

• Aspirin

• Barbiturates

• Choline magnesium and salisylates

• Corticosteroids

• NSAIDS

• Oral contraceptives

• Primidone

• Ranitidine (Tritec)

• Many others

• Folic Acid deficiency symptoms
  These include:

• Megaloblastic Anemia

• Birth defects

• Cervical dysplasia

• Elevated homocysteine

• Headaches

• Fatigue

• Hair loss

• Anorexia

• Insomnia

• Diarrhea

• Nausea

• Increased infections

1. The medical establishment made its initial observation linking plasma homocysteine and atherosclerotic vascular disease more than 25 years ago. (Alternative medicine knew of this fact more than 40 years ago.)

2. A number of recent clinical trials have consistently linked moderate to high plasma homocysteine levels to coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, and peripheral vascular disease.

3. Pooled results from previous studies show that homocysteine levels in patients with vascular disease are on average 31% higher than in normal subjects.

4. A recent study of male physicians in the United States showed that when plasma homocysteine levels were only 12% above the high normal range, there was a 3.4-fold increase in the risk of a sudden heart attack.

5. Most cases involving high levels of plasma homocysteine are associated with inadequate vitamin concentrations.

"We have previously demonstrated that the majority of persons with elevated plasma homocysteine concentrations have insufficient concentrations of folate, vitamin B12 or vitamin B6, and other studies have demonstrated that vitamin supplementation effectively lowers moderately elevated plasma homocysteine concentrations to the normal range. The results of our present study provide the rationale for a controlled trial of the effect of homocysteine lowering vitamin therapy on morbidity and mortality from vascular disease..."

"An important contribution to the present study is the demonstration that inadequate folic acid intake is the main determinate of the homocysteine related increase in carotid artery thickening. The studies linking high blood homocysteine levels with vascular disease are consistent, persuasive, plausible biological mechanisms ... and a safe, inexpensive, and effective intervention -- folate supplementation -- is available."

HOW MUCH FOLATE SHOULD YOU TAKE?

The researchers who wrote the articles about the dangers of homocysteine in The New England Journal of Medicine recommend daily supplementation of 1000-2000 mcg of folate for those with elevated plasma homocysteine levels.

The FDA restricts the amount of folic acid allowed in vitamin supplements to only 400 mcg per daily dose. The FDA does allow 800 mcg of daily folate if the vitamins are intended for pregnant women.

In Europe, folic acid supplements containing 5,000 mcg of folic acid have been sold for more than 25 years.