Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid) - benefits, deficiency, of Vitamin B9

Vitamin B9 is also known as folic acid. Increasing intake of vitamin B9 decreases omocysteine levels. And some observational studies show lower risks of cardiovascular disease among people with higher intakes of folic acid, those who use multivitamin supplements, or those with higher levels of serum folate (the form of folic acid found in the body). Vitamin B9 is important for many metabolic processes in the body and is used in the manufacture of neurotransmitters in preventing heart disease, and for synthesizing DNA.

Recommended daily dose of Vitamin B9

The current recommended intake for folic acid or Vitamin B9 is 400 micrograms per day. There are many excellent sources of folic acid, including prepared breakfast cereals, beans, and fortified grains.

Sources of Foods containing the Vitamin B9

Best source sources of Vitamin B9 are Avocado, bananas, orange juice, cold cereal, asparagus, fruits, green, leafy vegetables, dried beans and peas, and yeast. Folic acid now added to commercial grain products. Enriched cereals, whole-grain bread, dark leafy vegetables, fortified ready-to-eat cereals, avocados, beets, liver are good sources of Vitamin B6.

Folic Acid (Vitamin B9) and Cancer

In addition to recycling homocysteine, Vitamin B9 plays a key role in building DNA, the complex compound that forms our genetic
blueprint. Observational studies show that people who get
higher than average amounts of folic acid from their diets or
supplements have lower risks of colon cancer and breast
cancer. This could be especially important for those who
drink alcohol, since alcohol blocks the absorption of folic acid
and inactivates circulating folate. An interesting observation
from the Nurses' Health Study is that high intake of folic acid or vitamin B9 blunts the increased risk of breast cancer seen among women who have more than one alcoholic drink a day.

Benefits of Vitamin B9 for Human Health

Vitamin B9 aids cell division.

Vitamin B9 Deficiencies

Deficiencies of Vitamin B9 are low levels during pregnancy increase risk of birth defects in newborns. Deficiencies of folic acid or vitamin b9 can also cause megaloblastic anemia and impair concentration, memory, and hearing. As with vitamins B6 and B12, deficiencies elevate homocysteine. Low folate levels associated with onset of heart disease.

Toxicities Information and Reaction for Vitamin B9

A link between high doses and central nervous system disorders, zinc deficiency, and seizures in epileptics. This risk appears to be low, but results indicate that megadoses should be avoided. High amounts in the elderly may mask symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiencies.