FitSugar

What is the Deal With: Folate

FitSugar — Wed, 21 Feb 2007 10:15:00 -0800

I just learned something new and I thought I should share it with you: folate and folic acid are the same thing. Well not exactly the same thing. Although they are both forms of a water soluble B vitamin, folate naturally occurs in food and folic acid is its synthetic form found in supplements and added to fortified foods.

Folate and folic acid not only prevent anemia during pregnancy, they also help to produce and maintain new cells. These two reason are why it is essential to take folic acid before and during pregnancy. So if you are planning on becoming a mama soon, make sure you're getting your daily value (DV) of this vitamin, which is 500 micrograms if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. For all other adults the recommended DV is 400 micrograms.

Aside from pregnancy, folate is an important nutrient since it is needed to make DNA and RNA, the building blocks of cells. It also helps prevent changes to DNA that may lead to cancer. The "C" word usually catches people's attention, so now I want you to know what to eat for your DV of folate.

Foods naturally high in folate are: leafy green vegetables like spinach and turnip greens (don't toss the greens when cooking with turnips you can sauté them with garlic just like spinach), citrus fruits and juices, as well as dried beans and peas. Since 1998, folic acid has been added to "enriched" grain products like breads and cereals. Many fortified cereals contain 100% of your daily folate needs. Ahhhh...another reason to read those labels.

Folic acid (By mouth)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:49:40 -0700

Overview

Introduction
Brand Name(s)
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used
How to Use This Medicine
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Warnings While Using This Medicine
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Introduction

Folic Acid (FOE-lik As-id)

Treats certain types of anemia (not enough red blood cells). Is also given as a supplement to women who are pregnant or planning on getting pregnant. Folic acid is a B vitamin.

Brand Name(s)

PharmAssure Folic Acid, Folacin-800, FA-8, Rite Aid Folic Acid, Family Pharmacy Folic Acid, The Medicine Shoppe Folic Acid, Nature's Blend Folic Acid

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not use this medicine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to folic acid.

How to Use This Medicine

Tablet

Your doctor will tell you how much to take and how often.
Keep taking this medicine for as long as your doctor tells you to, even if you feel better.

If a dose is missed:

Take the missed dose as soon as possible.
If it is almost time for your next regular dose, wait until then to take your medicine and skip the missed dose.
You should not use two doses at the same time.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

Store at room temperature. Protect from heat, direct light, and moisture.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Make sure your doctor knows if you are taking Dilantin®.
If you are taking Questran® or Colestid®, take your folic acid dose 1 hour before or at least 4 hours after the other medicine.
Your doctor may ask you to eat more foods that contain folic acid. Good sources of folic acid are fruits, green leafy vegetables, liver, kidney, and breads made with dried yeast.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, tell your doctor. It is very important during this time to take the correct vitamins in the right amounts.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Skin rash, itching, and redness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Nausea, bloating, gas
Bitter taste in the mouth
Irritability
Trouble sleeping

Review Date: 8/4/2008

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A.D.A.M. Copyright

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adam.com

Source Doc: 45_0330

Label Able: Folic Acid Seal

FitSugar — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 02:00:00 -0800

Did you know that it is recommended for women planning to get pregnant to take folic acid for a full year prior to conception? If you didn't know that recommendation, you are not alone. A recent survey completed by the March of Dimes found that the majority of women ages 18 to 24 had no idea about folic acid helping prevent birth defects. Folic acid (the synthetic form of folate) is a B vitamin that helps prevent birth defects of the brain and spine, like spina bifida.

In response to the lack of knowledge on this preventative measure against birth defects, the March of Dimes created this folic acid seal, to help women identify foods that have been fortified with folic acid. The seal certifies that the food contains 10 percent per serving of the recommended daily amount of folic acid for women of childbearing age, which is 400 micrograms. Produce naturally high in folate/folic acid like spinach, strawberries and orange juice, will not bear the symbol, as it will only be used by companies making grain products, like enriched flour.

So if you are looking to start a family start looking for this seal, take a folic acid supplement and/or eating foods naturally high in folate like: asparagus, broccoli, and orange juice.

Source

Folic Acid Is Important For the Ladies

FitSugar — Mon, 14 May 2007 16:35:00 -0700

I'm sure you've heard that pregnant women should take folic acid (vitamin B9) to prevent birth defects, but did you know that you should start taking it a month before you conceive?

Folic acid is the synthetic form of folate and it can reduce certain birth defects of the brain and spinal cord by more than 70 percent. These birth defects are called neural tube defects (NTDs). NTDs happen when the neural tube (located along the back of an embryo that later develops into the spinal cord and brain) fails to close properly.

The most common NTD is spina bifida, where the spinal cord and the bones of the spine (vertebrae) don't fully form. This can cause the baby's legs to be paralyzed and they may later develop bladder and bowel control problems. The most serious NTD is called anencephaly, when the baby is born without part of its skull and brain, and eventually dies.

I know it's heartbreaking to think about - that's why it's so important to get your folic acid. If you are pregnant, or trying to conceive, take 600 mcg. If you are nursing, you'll need 500 mcg. It's a good idea for all women over 19 years old to get 400 mcg as well since folic acid is necessary for the production and maintenance of new cells.

You can take a supplement containing folic acid or eat fortified breakfast cereals and pastas that contain 100 percent of the RDI of folic acid. Foods like orange juice, asparagus, broccoli, beans, peas, and leafy green vegetables like spinach are great sources too.

Fit's Tips: Even if you are not actively trying to get pregnant but are still sexually active, it is a good idea to make sure you are getting enough folic acid just in case.

Men Need Folic Acid Too

FitSugar — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 11:10:00 -0700

While there has been a lot of focus on how women of childbearing age should make sure they are getting enough folic acid, there has been little talk about men and folate. Until now.

New research has found that men who are thinking about becoming fathers should also be sure they're getting enough folic acid, since the folates that prevent birth defects when consumed by women may also help keep men's sperm normal. Specifically, it was found that men with a higher folate intake had fewer abnormal sperm in which a chromosome had been lost or gained, known as aneuploidy that can cause failure to conceive, up to a third of miscarriages, and children to be born with Down syndrome and other rare chromosomal syndromes.

So if you're looking to conceive anytime soon then hopefully you and your man are getting at least 400 mg a day of folic acid. You can get your folic acid through a supplement or naturally in some foods.

Source

Folic acid/cyanocobalamin (Vitamin b12)/pyridoxine (Vitamin b6) (By mouth)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:02:10 -0700

Overview

Introduction
Brand Name(s)
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used
How to Use This Medicine
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Warnings While Using This Medicine
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Introduction

Cyanocobalamin (sye-an-oh-ko-BAL-a-min), Folic Acid (FOE-lik As-id), Pyridoxine (peer-i-DOX-een)

Raises levels of folic acid, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 in your blood, which could help lower the amount of homocysteine (an amino acid) in your blood. Too much homocysteine may lead to heart and blood vessel problems. This medicine is a combination of vitamins.

Brand Name(s)

Folbic, Foltx, Folbee, Folcaps, Folgard RX, ComBgen, Folplex 2.2, Folamin, Lev-Tov, Foleve, Foleve Plus, FaBB, Tri-B, Folgard, Foltabs 800

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to folic acid, cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12), or pyridoxine (vitamin B6).

How to Use This Medicine

Tablet

Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.

If a dose is missed:

If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using levodopa (Larodopa®) or phenytoin (Dilantin®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine

Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have a history of pernicious anemia (not enough vitamin B12).

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Feeling bloated or swollen
Feeling unusually sleepy or tired
Mild diarrhea
Skin tingling, burning, or itching

Review Date: 8/4/2008

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 45_4766

Folic acid (Injection)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:08:24 -0700

Overview

Introduction
Brand Name(s)
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used
How to Use This Medicine
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Warnings While Using This Medicine
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Introduction

Folic Acid (FOE-lik As-id)

Treats anemia.

Brand Name(s)

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not use this medicine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to folic acid or benzyl alcohol.

How to Use This Medicine

Injectable

Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin, into a muscle, or into a vein.
A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
You may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
Use a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine.

If a dose is missed:

Call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

If you store this medicine at home, keep it at room temperature, away from heat and direct light.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine, containers, and other supplies. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
Throw away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.
Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Make sure your doctor knows if you are using medicine for seizures such as phenytoin (Dilantin®) or carbamazepine (Tegretol®).
Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding, or if you have any type of infection.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.

Review Date: 8/4/2008

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 45_5210

Folic Acid Quiz

FitSugar — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 11:00:00 -0800

Many women are aware that they should take folic acid, but many aren't. Who should and who shouldn't? And how much? Take this short folic acid quiz to see how much you know (and don't know) about this vital B vitamin.

Source

Take the quiz

Know Your A, B, Cs: Vitamin B (How Many Are There?)

FitSugar — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 03:00:00 -0700

There are eight B Vitamins to be exact, and they help maintain healthy skin and muscle tone, enhance your immune and nervous system functions, and promote cell growth and division.

They are water-soluble vitamins which means that your body can't store them. They need to be replenished daily because whatever the body doesn't use, gets flushed out in your urine.

The eight B vitamins are B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, and B12 - and they all have other names that you're probably more familiar with.

Most people get these vitamins in the food they eat. If you have food restrictions, whether you don't eat meat, dairy products, eggs, or whole grains for whatever reason, you may need to take supplements. When a supplement has all 8 of these B vitamins, it's referred to as vitamin B complex. If you buy separate B vitamins, then they are referred to by their specific name (B1, B12, etc.)

Allow me to explain each one...

Vitamin	Benefits	Food Sources	RDA for women 19+
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)	Helps the body convert carbohydrates and fat into energy; essential for normal growth and development; helps to maintain proper functioning of the heart and the nervous and digestive systems	Green peas, spinach, liver, beef, pork, navy beans, pinto beans, soybeans, nuts, bananas, whole grain and enriched cereals, and breads	1.4 mg/day
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)	Required by the body for the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins; helps with cellular processes	Asparagus, okra, chard, almonds, leafy greens, cottage cheese, milk, yogurt, meat, eggs, and fish	1.2 mg/day

Want to see the rest? Then read more

Vitamin B3 (Niacin)	Necessary for energy metabolism in cells; DNA repair; produces several sex and stress-related hormones that are produced by the adrenal gland; helps remove toxins and chemicals from the body	Chicken, beef, tuna, salmon, milk, eggs, broccoli, tomatoes, carrots, dates, sweet potatoes, asparagus, avocados, nuts, whole grains, beans, mushrooms, nutritional yeast	14 mg/day
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid)	Required to sustain life; is critical in the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins	Whole grain cereals, beans, eggs, meat, some energy drinks	5 mg/day
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine and Pyridoxamine)	Help enzymes do their job in the body; helps the nervous and immune systems function properly; necessary for overall good health	Nuts, liver, chicken, fish, green beans, salad greens, wheat germ, nutritional yeast, sea vegetables, and bananas	1.3 mg/day
Vitamin B7 (Biotin or Vitamin H)	Used in cell growth; the production of fatty acid; metabolism of fat; plays a role in the Krebs Cycle in which energy is released from food; helps with the transfer of carbon dioxide; helps maintain a steady blood sugar level; found in many cosmetic products to help with your skin and hair	Beans, nutritional yeast, cauliflower, chocolate, egg yolks, fish, liver, meat, molasses, dairy products, nuts, oatmeal, oysters, peanut butter, bananas, soy products, mushrooms, wheat germ, and whole grains	300 mcg/day
Vitamin B9 (Folic acid)	Helps the body make healthy new cells; taken before and during pregnancy can help prevent major birth defects of the baby's brain and spine	Leafy greens such as spinach, dried beans and peas, sunflower seeds, oranges, asparagus, broccoli, liver, enriched cereal	400 mcg/day
Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)	Necessary for the synthesis of red blood cells, the maintenance of the nervous system, and the growth and development of children	Animal products such as meat, eggs, dairy products, nutritional yeast, and fortified cereals	6 mcg/day

Five Health Changes to Make If You're Trying to Conceive

FitSugar — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 13:00:00 -0700

If the urge to become a mom is in your not-too-distant future, here are some healthy changes you should make before you even think about becoming pregnant.

Get at least 400 mcg of folic acid daily. This B vitamin helps prevent birth defects such as spina bifida. Great sources of folic acid include citrus fruits, asparagus, broccoli, beans, peas, peanuts, lentils, whole grains, and leafy green vegetables like spinach. Enriched foods such as cereals and pastas are also good sources. If you're having a hard time obtaining enough from your diet, then take a folic acid supplement.
Work on improving your overall health. Start watching what you eat, get enough sleep, ditch cigarettes if you smoke, and limit your alcohol consumption. Also make sure to start exercising regularly. Doctors don't recommend increasing your exercise routine too dramatically once you're preggers, so it's best to start before the baby is on its way. Regular exercise will strengthen your body and your immune system, and also help you maintain a healthy body weight during and after pregnancy.

To see the other healthy changes you should make read more.

Take steps to control the stress in your life. Stress can affect your menstrual cycle, so if you're having a work-related problem or an issue in your life, ovulation may be delayed or not happen at all, which will make pregnancy impossible. So figure out what you can and can't do so that you're not putting more on your plate than you can handle. Set limits with yourself and others, and remind yourself that it's OK to say no to requests for your time and energy. If you need to seek help in dealing with stress, make an appointment with a therapist or a life coach.
Get checked for hepatitis B and C and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Some STIs can affect your ability to conceive, can cause miscarriages and other issues during pregnancy, or they can be passed on to your baby.
Discuss your meds you take with your doc. Go over all the prescription, over-the-counter medicine, and herbal supplements you take to make sure they're safe to use while you're trying to conceive or during pregnancy.

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