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3430-D Anderson Hwy., Powhatan, VA 23139 804-598-5352 |
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SIGN UP TO RECEIVE THIS NEWSLETTER VIA EMAIL EVERY MONTH http://www.herbalconsultant.com/ ~~~~~~~~~~~ FAVORITE HEALTH QUOTE ~ Dr. Joseph Pizzorno ~~~~~~~~~~~ RICHMOND
ALTERNATIVE HEALTH EXPO Saturday, Sept. 15 10am – 4pm Richmond Raceway Complex FREE! Come visit
over 200 natural health professionals in 100 categories! ~~~~~~~~~~~ Happy 3rd
Anniversary to our associate Janice Goldstein, RN, MH We
appreciate all that you do!
Folic
Acid
Vitamin B-12 |
VITAMIN LESSON - FOLATE AND VITAMIN B-12 Folate,
which is also known as folic acid or folacin, is a critical nutrient to
reduce the risks of neural tube defects in babies. Neural tube defects
are malformations of the brain, spinal cord, or both during embryonic
development and include spina bifida and anencephaly. These are serious
and often fatal birth defects that can easily be prevented through
adequate intake of folate. It is very important that women who wish to
become pregnant begin taking prenatal vitamins or folate supplements
prior to conception to prevent neural tube defects from forming. There
is preliminary evidence that folate may prevent non-neural tube birth
defects, too.
Other important benefits of taking folate include prevention of
heart disease and cancer. Folate can help break down homocysteine, an
amino acid that can lead to cardiovascular disease. It also protects
people who are at higher risk for getting cancer, such as men who smoke
(from pancreatic cancer) and women who drink alcohol (from breast
cancer). Finally, 500 i.u. of folate daily improved the effectiveness of
SSRI antidepressants in severely depressed people.
Two of the first symptoms of folate deficiency are anemia and
gastrointestinal tract problems. Also, folate is the vitamin that is the
most vulnerable to interactions with drugs which can lead to
deficiencies. People who regularly use aspirin, oral contraceptives, and
those who smoke are particularly susceptible to having folate
deficiencies and may want to consider supplementation.
The recommended amount of folate is 400 mcg (micrograms) daily.
Eating five servings of fruits and vegetables daily may also provide the
necessary amount of folate, but many usually only eat half that much.
Many grain products are required to contain added folate, too. Taking
too much folate can interfere with diagnosing vitamin B-12 deficiencies. Vitamin B-12 is closely related to folate and each of these depends on the other for activation. People who eat animal products, including eggs and dairy, usually get plenty of vitamin B-12. In fact, vitamin B-12 isn’t found in any plant sources; however, it is added to soy milk, cereals, and other fortified products. Some sea foods like spirulina and fermented soy products like miso claim to contain vitamin B-12 but this form of B-12 is inactive and unavailable.
The chief functions of B-12 in the body are to assist of cell
synthesis, maintain nerve cells, and help to break down some fatty acids
and amino acids. It can correct pernicious anemia and even small B-12
deficiencies may impair cognitive function. Some studies have shown that
intramuscular injections of B-12 at a dose of 1000 mg daily can help
improve low back pain and it is often recommended for fatigue.
It is interesting to note that most water-soluble vitamins are
preserved when food is cooked in a microwave; however, that isn’t the
case with vitamin B-12. In fact the opposite is true. B-12 becomes
inactive during microwave cooking. Because of this, it’s better to
cook meat and dairy foods in the oven or on top of the stove. Drugs that
interfere with B-12 status include metformin and phenformin (popular
blood-sugar control medications), AZT (for AIDs), colchicines (for
gout), and nitrous oxide (“laughing gas” often used in dentistry).
BACK TO SCHOOL Don't forget about the kids! We have vitamins, immune-boosters to protect against colds & flu, and various products that support concentration and focus. Also check out our face washes and blemish control items!
DOLCE MASSAGE & BODY WORKS
is open for business inside our location. Call Abbey Merritt (1-804-234-1055) OR Jessica Hutt (357-3027) for an appointment. Open Monday through Saturday, evenings available, and walk-ins are welcome when time permits. YOU
DESERVE IT! |
