Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid) : Functions, Food Sources, Symptoms of deficiency

Vitamin B₉ (Folic Acid)

Vitamin B₉ includes both folate and folic acid and is important for several functions in the body. It is important for women who are pregnant to consume enough folic acid.

Functions of folic acid: 

The different functions of folate include:

·         Folic acid helps the body to convert carbohydrates into glucose, which is used to provide energy.

·         Folic acid helps in building of antibodies which prevent and heal infections.

·         It helps in normal functioning of the nervous system and maintains the mental and emotional health.

·         It helps in production of body’s generic material - DNA and RNA.

Food sources of Folic acid: 

The rich sources of folate are fish, mutton, liver, egg, chicken, green leafy vegetables, pulses, Lentils, beans, asparagus, lettuce, Parsley, avocado, sunflower seeds, beets, broccoli, spinach, orange juice, tofu, fish, meat, fortified cereals, milk, cheese, eggs, oysters, crab etc.,

Symptoms of folic acid deficiency

·         A recent study connected folic acid deficiency with autism.

·         Loss of memory, severe and irreversible damage to nervous system and brain.

·         Pernicious anaemia which is an immune system disease.

·         Deficiency of folic acid causes megaloblastic anaemia.