Description
Folic acid is a water soluble, light and temperature sensitive vitamin of the B complex (vitamin B9).
Folic acid is involved in all growth and development processes of the body. Folic acid is essential for the formation of red blood cells, for optimal functioning of the bone marrow and for healthy nerve activity. Folic acid is also essential for cell division, therefore it is important in fetus development. Although most plant and animal based foods contain folic acid, a deficiency of folic acid is the most widespread vitamin deficiency in Europe and North America. Lowered folic acid levels can occur because of a decreased supply (e.g. through alcoholism or folic acid antagonists), a disrupted resorption (e.g. in celiac disease, CED), and an increased requirement (e.g. during pregnancy, in anemic or cancerous
diseases).
