The Importance Of B-Group Vitamins

Vitamin B9-Folic AcidMore B-group Vitamins

Vitamin B9 or Folic Acid,also known as folacin or folate,is another important member of the B complex group.It maybe destroyed by some methods of cooking.Factors that damage this vitamin are sulphur drugs,sunlight and food processing.

Functions in the Body:Folic Acid in combination with vitamin B12, is essential for the formation,maturation and multiplication of red blood cells.It is necessary for the growth and division of all body cells,including nerve cells,and for manufacturing a number of nerve transmitters.It also produces nucleic acids, RNA(ribonucleic Acid) and DNA(Deoxyribonucleic Acid),that carry hereditary patterns.It aids in protein metabolism and contributes to normal growth.Folic acid helps in the building of antibodies which prevent and heal infections.It is essential for the health of the skin and hair,and helps to prevent premature greying of the hair.Folic acid is the significant important nutrient for a pregnant woman and her developing foetus.In fact,eating fresh fruits and vegetables rich in folate,from conception until the due date,is the best policy a woman can adopt to ensure that her pregnancy will be a happy and a healthy one.Folic acid also improves lactation.Large doses of folic acid has been found beneficial in the treatment of a few diseases which are rare such as,megaloblastic anaemia,sprue,recurrent abortion,mental retardation,brown spots on the skin and gout.

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