Vitamin B9 ( Folate, Folic Acid)
What Is Vitamin B9?
Vitamin B9, more commonly known as folate (naturally-occurring form of B9) or folic acid (a synthetic form), is a water-soluble vitamin that is part of the B vitamin family. B vitamins and folate help support adrenal function, help calm and maintain a healthy nervous system, and are necessary for key metabolic processes. Folate occurs naturally in foods, while folic acid is the synthetic form of folate.
Why Is Vitamin B9 Necessary?
Vitamin B9 is essential for human growth and development, encourages normal nerve and proper brain functioning, and may help reduce blood-levels of the amino acid homocysteine (elevated homocysteine levels have been implicated in increased risk of heart disease and stroke). Folic acid or folate may also help protect against cancers of the lung, colon, and cervix, and may help slow memory decline associated with aging.
Pregnant women have an increased need for folic acid: it supports the growth of the placenta and fetus, and helps to prevent several types of birth defects, especially those of the brain and spine. Pregnant women and women of child-bearing age should take extra caution to get enough folic acid (see below for recommended amounts).
What Are The Signs Of A Vitamin B9 Deficiency?
Deficiency has been linked to birth defects, low birth weight, pregnancy loss, depression, memory loss, and cervical dysplasia. Alcoholics, pregnant women, and people living in institutional settings are at a higher risk of vitamin B9 or folate deficiency.
How Much Vitamin B9 Does An Adult Need?
The daily U.S. Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) is 400 micrograms for adults. Dr. Weil recommends 400 mcg per day as part of a B-Complex supplement that contains a full spectrum of B vitamins, including biotin, thiamin, B12, riboflavin and niacin.He recommends that women who are pregnant or nursing discuss their vitamin B9 dosage with their obstetrician/gynecologist.
How Much Vitamin B9 Does A Child Need?
The daily RDA for children from 0 to 6 months is 65 micrograms of folic acid; 7-12 months, 80 micrograms; 1-3 years, 150 micrograms; 4-8 years, 200 micrograms; 9-13 years, 300 micrograms.
How Do You Get Enough Vitamin B9 From Foods?
Spinach, green vegetables and beans are good sources, as are fortified products such as orange juice, baked goods, and cereals. Other natural sources of folate include asparagus, bananas, melons, lemons, legumes, yeast, and mushrooms. Find more information about B vitamin foods from our infographic.
Are There Any Risks Associated With Too Much Vitamin B9?
Folic acid has few side effects, even when taken in high amounts. Although the folic acid itself is not a problem, supplemental folic acid can mask symptoms of pernicious anemia, a potentially fatal disease which is caused by a deficiency of vitamin B12. Very high doses (above 15,000 mcg) can cause stomach problems, sleep disturbances, skin reactions, and seizures.
Are There Any Special Considerations With Vitamin B9?
The absorption of supplemental folic acid is reduced slightly when taken with food. Folic acid absorption or depletion may occur in those who use alcohol excessively, who use large amounts of antacids, are prescribed antiobiotics, who take aspirin chronically and in large doses, or who take oral contraceptives. In addition, folic acid, when taken along with vitamin B12, may increase the risk of masking an underlying vitamin B12 deficiency. Caution is advised when taking both of these vitamins together.
