Enviro Nutrients Update

Link: http://www.ahrq.gov/clinic/uspstf09/folicacid/folicacidrs.htm

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has updated its 1996 recommendation that all women planning or capable of pregnancy take a daily supplement containing 0.4 to 0.8 mg (400 to 800 µg) of folic acid. (A recommendation) The USPSTF reviewed the evidence on folic acid supplementation in women of childbearing age published since its previous review. The USPSTF did not review evidence on folic acid food fortification, counseling to increase dietary intake or screening for neural tube defects.

The recommendation is published in the May 5 issue of Annals of Internal Medicine and is available on the AHRQ Web site at http://www.ahrq.gov/clinic/uspstf/uspsnrfol.htm.

What is Folic Acid and Why is it Important?
Folic Acid is important to numerous body functions. It is especially important during periods of rapid cell division and growth. Both adults and children require folic acid to produce healthy red blood cells and prevent anemia.(1) There is also a link between insufficient folate or folic acid and neural tube defects. One of the reasons pregnant mothers are warned against drinking alcohol during pregnancy stems from the fact that alcoholism is associated with low dietary intake and diminished absorption of folate, which can lead to folate deficiency.(2)

What Whole Foods Contain Folic Acid?
Folate is the naturally-ocurring form of folic acid and is found in leafy vegetables, certain fruits, and other vegetables. Lettuces, asparagus, turnip greens, and spinach are all rich sources of folate. Other great sources are dried or fresh peas and beans, sunflower seeds, and orange juice.

Are There Other Sources Of Folic Acid?
Yes. In the U.S. and a few other countries, flour is fortified with folic acid. Therefore, breads are a good source. However, with today's dietary trends, many people do not eat bread. Other sources of folic acid are cooked pasta and cooked rice. Dietary supplements also supply folic acid, usually at the RDA of 400 mcg.

Sources
(1) www.wikipedia.org
(2) Linus Pauling Institute http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/vitamins/fa/