Folic Acid is a form of the B complex vitamin which is derived from folate. Folate is essential in the body for the formation of your red blood cells, the synthesis of DNA as well as for protein metabolism. Most people have a serious deficiency in folic acid and don’t even realize it. This is why taking a folic acid supplement is so important since most people do not eat a diet that is high enough in folate to reap all the benefits from it. Folate deficiency has been linked to an increased risk of Spina bifida which is a spinal cord birth defect for women who are pregnant as well as a host of other problems such as anemia, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, colon and breast cancer, arterial disease, and neural tube defects. Folate is also known for the reduction of risk when it comes to heart disease. This is because it works to decrease the homocysteine levels in your body.

Usually found in citrus fruits, whole grains and green leafy vegetables, it is possible to get enough from a well balanced diet, but the problem is that most people do not have a well balanced diet. With the obesity epidemic hitting new heights, and fast food reigning supreme over the healthy home cooked meal, people simply aren’t getting the folate that they need.

Homocysteine can be a risk for coronary heart disease, and it can also increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and peripheral vascular disease. When you have enough folic acid in your body you decrease these risks which is essential for your health. Folic acid also protects the brain and can stop the suffering of depression in some people. The list continues as to what folic acid does as it can help renal disease, psoriasis, restless leg syndrome and even hearing loss.