How many B vitamins is folic acid?
Folic acid is a water-soluble vitamin also known as vitamin B9, vitamin M or oxalate methyltetrahydrofolate. Since the body cannot synthesize folic acid on its own, it must be obtained from food or through supplements. Folic acid plays a very important role in the human body. It is involved in the synthesis of functionally important substances such as DNA, RNA, and nuclear proteins. It can also regulate the immune system, promote cell division and development, and protect the health of the cardiovascular system.
Source of folic acid
Folic acid can be obtained from a variety of foods, such as fresh vegetables and fruits, including spinach, asparagus, rapeseed, bell peppers, tomatoes, carrots, etc. In addition, folic acid is also found in animal livers, especially chicken livers and sheep livers. In addition, folic acid is added to some nutritionally fortified foods, such as milk, bread, cereal, etc. For pregnant and breastfeeding women, an additional intake of approximately 400 micrograms of folic acid is required daily, as folic acid deficiency may cause neural tube defects in pregnant women.
The role of folic acid
Folic acid has many functions in the human body. First, folic acid is involved in the synthesis of DNA and RNA. DNA is the important genetic material in the human body, and RNA is the conveyor of the DNA network. Meanwhile, nucleoprotein is composed of DNA and RNA. The synthesis of these functionally important substances is greatly affected by folic acid.
Secondly, folic acid has the function of promoting the growth and division of cells and can increase the number of red blood cells in the human body. Its effects also include the function and detoxification of the human immune system and nervous system.
Finally, folic acid helps protect the health of the cardiovascular system because it regulates the synthesis of triglycerides and reduces the concentration of low-density lipoprotein, thereby preventing the occurrence of cardiovascular disease. In addition, taking folic acid can also help prevent various inflammations and infections.
Summary
Folic acid is vitamin B9, which plays a very important role in the human body. Folic acid can promote the synthesis of important substances such as DNA, RNA, and nuclear proteins, regulate the immune system, protect the health of the cardiovascular system, and promote cell division and development. Folic acid can be obtained from many vegetables, fruits, animal livers and other foods containing B vitamins. It is particularly important for pregnant women to supplement folic acid during pregnancy.
