The Importance of Folate

Folate is a natural source of a water soluble B vitamin found in our food.

Folic acid, on the other hand, is the synthetic version of folate. This synthetic form is provided as an additive in 'fortified' foods, and is often used in vitamin supplements.

Why do we need folate?

Folate has many important roles in the proper function of our body. These include:

1. It helps to produce and maintain new cells.
   
2. It helps to make normal red blood cells and prevent anemia.
   
3. Since it is needed to make DNA and RNA, it also helps in preventing changes to DNA, which can cause cancer.
   
4. It helps maintain and metabolize normal levels of the amino acid homocysteine.
   

Who Needs folate?

Everyone, actually, but certain groups of people need to make certain that they consume enough of this nutrient in either its natural, food state, or supplemental vitamin state. These groups include:

1. Women who are trying to become pregnant
   
2. Women who are pregnant
   
3. Women who are breastfeeding
   
4. People who consume too much alcohol (more than a couple of drinks per day)
   
5. People who take medicines that can interfere with the absorption and action of folate (ask your doctor)
   
6. people who are anemic from folate deficiency
   
7. People with liver disease
   
8. People on kidney dialysis
   
9. People who suffer from malabsorption
   

You should talk with your doctor first before self-diagnosing for any disease. It is also best to consult with them in case of interactions from vitamins with medications or other conditions you may be experiencing.

Dementia Fighting Vitamin

In the news this morning was a story about a breakthrough in the prevention of dementia and Alzheimer's disease. The study found that a lack of vitamin B9 (Folate and folic acid) can triple your risk of developing this terrible disease. Many of us already knew the importance of folate and folic acid to dementia, but this study further confirms it.

B9 aids the body in creating new cells. It is essential that we consume enough of this element.

As we age, our body naturally decreases its ability to create new cells. It is already known that heavy consumption of alcohol and 'street drugs' interfere with this process. As our brain cells (specifically) die, they need all of the help they can get to reproduce more cells.

Folate naturally occurs in leafy vegetables like spinach, turnip greens, lettuces, dried beans and peas and in some fruits.

If you are concerned with memory problems it appears as though adding a supplemental dose of B9 to your diet surely wouldn't hurt. Make sure you are also getting enough B12 too, as it too helps your entire nervous system.

If you are into natural remedies as I am, you might be interested in the following products to help with and prevent memory problems.

1. Get Info on MemoRise for Improved Memory and Retention

2. Get Information on Triple Complex Brain Tonic Tissue Salts

You can read the story I referred to above here.