Folic Acid
FOLIC ACID, also known as folate, is continuing to show tremendous benefits in a wide variety of conditions from the prevention of birth defects to prevention of cardiovascular disease (heart attack and stroke), Alzheimer's disease, and some forms of cancer. Many of these benefits may relate to folic acid's ability to help the body metabolize and eliminate homocysteine. Homocysteine is now considered as important (perhaps more important) to control as cholesterol. By supplementing with folic acid daily, Americans will be able to help prevent many of the common, serious conditions noted above.
We recommend taking between 400 and 800 micrograms of folic acid daily as a preventative measure. Both of us take 800 mcg daily. At these levels, there is no toxicity from folic acid, and many people take 1000 mcg daily or more if a therapeutic reason exists.
Folic acid works with 3 other nutrients to lower homocysteine levels; these include Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12 and trimethylglycine, also known as betaine. We recommend 50 mg of Vitamin B6 daily, and at least 100 mcg of Vitamin B12 daily. Several supplement companies now manufacture combination vitamins that include folic acid, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12 and trimethylglycine together. Another option would be a B-complex vitamin with an added folic acid supplement (e.g. an additional 400 mcg of folate) daily.
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Ceonex, Inc.