Folic acid, also known as vitamin B9, is essential for the correct formation and development of blood cells, in addition to having enzymes necessary for the formation of red blood cells and its presence in the body maintains healthy skin and prevents anemia. This is not only consumed through drugs, it can also be found in red meats, some dark green vegetables, cereals and other legumes, it is also present.
What is folic acid
Table of Contents
Folate or folic acid is a vitamin necessary for the body that helps the production of red blood cells (hemoglobin), the formation and development of cells, the maturation of proteins and the prevention of certain diseases and conditions. This is also known as vitamin B9, since it belongs to the complex of B vitamins.
This can be found in tablets, which can be consumed daily if required to supplement, along with a diet rich in vitamin B9, the folic acid dose that the human body needs in special cases, such as pregnancy, in which case iron and folic acid may be prescribed. The folic acid price can vary between $ 28 and $ 1,800, depending on its presentation and number of tablets.
The etymology of the word "folic" comes from the Latin folium, which means "leaf", and the word "folate" is accompanied by the suffix -ate, which is used in chemistry to refer to salt.
This was discovered in the forties and is considered a water-soluble vitamin, it is also a family of the B complex. It is essential for the functions of the human body, playing a very important role at the cellular level, since it helps to form proteins and body tissue.
Folic acid characteristics
Metabolization
The absorption of this vitamin occurs in the jejunum (in the small intestine, between the duodenum and the ileum). Polyglutamates break down to monoglutamates, a reaction produced by the enzyme folate hydrolase present at the edges of the intestinal mucosa. These monoglutamates are then absorbed by diffusion and by active transport.
In cells, folates are converted to polyglutamates, which ensures that they stay in them. The absorbed folate is converted to FH4 in the liver and intestine, while another portion is converted to polyglutamate in the hepatocyte.
Biochemistry
This is composed of a nucleus of pteridine and glutamic acid. Its presence and action have a role in DNA, favoring the accelerated growth of cells. This has a role in the transport mainly of formyl groups with a carbon atom, which are found in nucleotides, which are part of RNA and DNA, being important for DNA replication and cell division.
Presentations
This vitamin can come in the form of small pills or tablets of 1mg, folic acid 5mg or 10mg. It can contain components such as croscarmellose sodium, polyvinylpyrrolidone, lactose monohydrate, and magnesium stearate. Among its commercial presentations are: Acfol, Zolico and Bialfoli; While other presentations with other compounds, among which this vitamin is presented, are Dynamin, Elevit, Azinc, Folidoce, Natimed, Policolinosil, Iodoferol, among others.
It can also be found in powders for injected solutions, drinks with this vitamin, soft capsules, and also in tablets of 200, 300, 400 micrograms.
Benefits of folic acid
It has many benefits, among which the following can be highlighted:
- It helps prevent the chances of malformations in fetuses, such as the brain, skull, spine and other problems that could be triggered in the future.
- An important role of folic acid is for treatment in people with anemia.
- For the prevention of neural tube defects.
- Pregnancy folic acid helps protect the uterus.
- Helps maintain hemoglobin levels with the production of red blood cells.
Contraindications of folic acid
- This component should not be consumed when the patient is sensitive to it.
- In patients with megaloblastic anemia, it should be consumed together with vitamin B12, otherwise there may be neurological damage.
- For patients who have seizures and who take this vitamin, they should increase their doses of anticonvulsants.
Foods rich in folic acid
This is not only consumed through drugs, it can also be found in certain foods, such as:
- It can be found in greens and vegetables such as spinach, lettuce, beets, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, green beans, potatoes, sweet potatoes.
- In red and white meats, such as chicken liver, beef or pork liver, chicken thighs, beef, sardines, breast and chicken wings.
- In fruits such as orange, mango, avocado, tomato, pineapple.
- Various foods such as eggs, beans, beans, peas, lentils, dairy (whole milk and yogurt), peanuts, oats, rice.
- It is important to mention that it is not easy to consume folic acid through food, since it is lost in a large percentage during cooking, for example, vegetables, so it is recommended to cook for a period of time no longer than 5 minutes. Because of this, it is recommended to consume with supplements, such as folic acid pills.
