Julie Garden-Robinson Food and Nutrition Specialist NDSU Extension Service
What is Folic Acid? A B vitamin the body needs to produce: Healthy cells Healthy blood The natural form, “folate,” is found in some foods The man-made form, “folic acid,” is found in fortified foods and vitamin supplements
Why is Folic Acid Important? Shown to reduce 70% of birth defects May reduce heart disease and stroke risks May lower cancer risk
How Much Folic Acid is Needed? Age in Years Adult (mcg/day*) Pregnancy (mcg/day*) N/A 600 *mcg/day means micrograms per day
What Foods Contain Folic Acid? Folic acid is added to some grains like: Pasta Breads Cereals Rice Folate is naturally found in: Leafy green vegetables Cooked dry edible beans Broccoli Peanuts Citrus fruits
Folic Acid Absorption Manmade folic acid (in cereals and supplements) is easier for the body to use than folate naturally found in foods
Who Needs a Folic Acid Supplement? All women of childbearing age are encouraged to consume 400mcg daily This may prevent birth defects which occur before the woman knows she is pregnant
How Much is “Too Much?” Folate has no “upper tolerable limit” 1000mcg is the upper limit for folic acid Too much folic acid may hide vitamin B 12 deficiency
For More Information: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Institutes of Health – Office of Dietary Supplements supplements.info.nih.gov/factsheets/folate.asp supplements.info.nih.gov/factsheets/folate.asp Linus Pauling Institute/Oregon State University March of Dimes North Dakota Wheat Commission onsumption.pdf onsumption.pdf
For More Information about Nutrition and Health, Visit: Presentation by Bridget Curley, Program Assistant