Ribbon Nutrition: Naturally Making A Difference

Folic acid is a B vitamin needed for cell replication and growth. Folic acid helps form building blocks of DNA, the body’s genetic information, and building blocks of RNA, needed for protein synthesis in all cells. Therefore, rapidly growing tissues, such as those of a fetus, and rapidly regenerating cells, like red blood cells and immune cells, have a high need for folic acid. Folic acid deficiency results in a form of anemia that responds quickly to folic acid supplementation. The requirement for folic acid increases considerably during pregnancy. Deficiencies of folic acid during pregnancy are associated with low birth weight and an increased incidence of neural tube defects in infants. Other birth defects may be prevented with folic acid supplementation as well. Women who take folic acid-containing multivitamin supplements around the time they conceive may also reduce the risk of other congenital malformations, such as heart defects, defects of the upper lip and mouth, urinary tract defects, and limb-reduction defects. Folic acid is needed to keep homocysteine (an amino acid by-product) levels in blood from rising (a risk factor for heart disease). Folic acid and certain other B vitamins function as cofactors for enzymes that can lower homocysteine levels. Research has shown that supplementing with folic acid reduces homocysteine levels. Of the B vitamins with a role in homocysteine metabolism, folic acid appears to be the most important in lowering homocysteine levels for the average person. A deficiency of folic acid has also been associated with peripheral vascular disease and coronary artery disease even in people with normal homocysteine levels, suggesting that the vitamin may have protective effects that extend beyond its role in maintaining normal homocysteine levels. A diet low in folic acid has been associated with a high incidence of pre-cancerous polyps in the colon, suggesting that folic acid may prevent the development of colon cancer. Two studies have shown that reduced folic acid levels are associated with an increase in the incidence of cancer in people with ulcerative colitis and a third study showed the degree of abnormal cell growth decreases as folic acid intake increases. Among women who consume at least one alcoholic beverage per day, the risk of breast cancer appears to be highest among those with low folic acid intake. Current use of a multivitamin supplement has also been associated with lower breast cancer risk among women who consume at least 1.5 alcoholic beverages per day, compared with those who never use a multivitamin supplement.




Size(s) available: 100 Tablets



Other Ingredients: May contain one or more of the following: magnesium stearate, cellulose, vegetable stearin, dicalcium phosphate and silica

Contains No Added sugar, salt, dairy, yeast, wheat, corn, soy, preservatives, artificial colors or flavors. Suggested Use: As a dietary supplement, adults take one (1) tablet daily with meals or, as directed by a health care professional. Store in a cool, dry place and away from direct light. Keep out of the reach of children.

QUALITY AND POTENCY GUARANTEED.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease.