Annually, Folic Acid Awareness Week is celebrated between the 5th to 11th of January, to raise awareness and educate people, particularly women, about how vital this supplement is.

Folate (Vitamin B-9) is a naturally occurring B Vitamin, and folic acid is its synthetic form, usually manufactured as tablets, added to vitamin supplements or fortified food. 

Folate is important for the formation of DNA and other genetic materials, and it is necessary for cell division. It also helps make healthy red blood cells that carry oxygen around the body. Without folate or folic acid, the body would produce abnormal red blood cells, thus leading to a nutritional anaemia condition known as folate deficiency anaemia, leading to tiredness, weakness and pale complexion. Because of how highly important it is, the food and drug administration of various companies mandated manufacturers to add folic acid to bread, pasta, rice, cereals, and other enriched grain products.

 

Folic acid deficiency could cause:

• Miscarriage or foetus deformity

• Depression

• Autism

• Rheumatoid arthritis

• Heart palpitations

• Weakness

• Headache

• Mouth sores, etc

Folic acid could also be used in the treatment of folate deficiency, and likely in the cases of kidney diseases, drug toxicity, birth defects, eye diseases, high blood pressure, gum diseases, vitiligo and stroke.

 

Foods & fruits rich in folate:

• Avocado

• Papaya

• Okra

• Mushroom

• Oranges

• Seeds & nuts

• Beans

• Oear

• Asparagus

• Boiled egg

• Banana

• Lettuce

• Spinach, etc

 

By recommendation, ALL women (either pregnant,  likely to become pregnant or breastfeeding should take a tablet of folic acid daily).

Folic acid supplements are available to purchase here.