Folic acid or folate is one form of water soluble vitamin B that naturally present in many foods. Leafy vegetables like spinach, broccoli, and lettuce are rich in this substance. The other sources of folic acid is fruits, beans, yeast, mushrooms, meat, orange juice, and tomato juice.
One of the effects of this substance on the body is to help produce new cells as well as prevent DNA change that may lead to cancer.
It has been added to cereals, flour, bread, pasta, bakery, biscuits and crackers since 1998 under federal law.
physical and chemical properties
It is a type of man-made vitamin B. Folate plays an important role in the production of red blood cells and helps the brain and spinal cord.
The best sources of folic acid are fortified cereals. it is found naturally in dark green leafy vegetables and citrus fruits.
it may be prepared by reacting p-aminobenzoyl-l-(+) -glutamic acid with 2-amino-4- hydroxy-6-(chlormethyl)-pteridine, the latter being obtainable from 2-amino-4-hydroxy-6- (hydroxymethyl) -pteridine by replacing the hydroxyl of the hydroxymethyl group by chlorine. The p-aminobenzoyl-l- -glutamic acid may be prepared by the reduction of p-nitro-benzoyl-l- -glutamic acid.
Applications
Folic acid helps the proper growth of the human body. It plays an important role in the production of DNA and many other functions of the body. As a medication, it is used to treat folic acid deficiency and certain types of anemia (lack of red blood cells) and Intestinal inability to properly absorb nutrients due to deficiency of this substance.
It is used to treat some diseases caused by this vitamin deficiency, such as. Ulcerative colitis, liver disease, alcoholism, and kidney dialysis.
Other medicinal uses of this substance can be used for pregnant women to prevent miscarriage and prevent neural tube defects. It is also used to prevent colon or cervical cancer.
It is also used to prevent heart disease and stroke and to lower the level of a chemical called homocysteine in the blood. High levels of homocysteine can be dangerous for heart disease.
It is also used in the treatment and control of Alzheimer’s, hearing loss, bone weakness, jumpy legs, depression, AIDS, etc.
It is also used to reduce harmful side effects in the treatment of diseases using lomethrexol and methotrexate.
Some people apply folic acid directly to the gum to treat gum infections.
It is also often used in combination with B vitamins.
Overdose symptoms may include numbness or tingling, mouth or tongue pain, weakness, tired feeling confusion, or trouble concentrating.
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