Theme XIII: Vitamins

Folic Acid. Description, chemical fórmula, role and characteristics. Folic acid sources.

Folic Acid or Folacin

It derives its name from the Latin word FOLIUM which means leaf, because it was isolated for the first time from the spinach leaves.

Folacin or folic acid is one of the most required coenzymes for the regeneration of blood elements and their functioning. This vitamin is effective in the treatment of certain anemias and coeliac disease. During pregnancy it is very necessary for the proper functioning of the body of the woman and the fetal development, it´s prescribed in these cases as a dietary supplement.

It is found in animals viscera, green leafy vegetables, legumes, nuts, wheat germ and brewer's yeast. Folic acid is lost in foods stored at room temperature and during cooking.
 
Unlike other water-soluble vitamins, folic acid is stored in the liver and do not need to ingest daily.

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GRAPH

Other B Vitamins

Vitamin B1

Vitamin B2

Vitamin B3

Vitamin B6

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B5 or Pantothenic Acid

See also

Introduction to vitamins

Vitamin A

Vitamin C

Vitamin D

Vitamin E

Vitamin K

Vitamin H