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This version of NSU News has been archived as of February 28, 2019. To search through archived articles, visit nova.edu/search. To access the new version of NSU News, visit news.nova.edu.
This version of SharkBytes has been archived as of February 28, 2019. To search through archived articles, visit nova.edu/search. To access the new version of SharkBytes, visit sharkbytes.nova.edu.
Folic Acid Awareness
Submitted by: Marilyn Gordon, Ed.D., RD, CSSD, LDN
Registered Dietitian, Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics, Licensed Dietitian/Nutritionist
Take this quiz:
Which B-vitamin is critical for DNA synthesis?
Which B-vitamin is necessary for proper cell division?
Which B-vitamin has been recognized to prevent neural-tube defects during pregnancy?
Which B-vitamin reduces homocysteine (a marker of inflammation)?
If you answered Folic Acid or Folate, you would be CORRECT!
The terms folic acid and folate are used interchangeably to refer to the same nutrient. Folic Acid is the most stable and found in supplements and fortified foods whereas folate is found in whole foods. The daily requirement is 400 micrograms per day and typically found in that amount in a general multi-vitamin supplement. Check the label.
The highest food sources providing 20% of the daily value for that nutrient are: fortified whole grains such as cereal, bread, rice and pasta; green and leafy vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, romaine lettuce, and asparagus; and legumes of all varieties. Some good folate sources providing 10-19% of the daily value are: sunflower seeds, artichokes, and oranges.
Research shows that adequate folate intake prior to conception is critical to the prevention of neural-tube defects during pregnancy.