folic acid

5 videos

Topic summary contributed by volunteer(s): Paul

Folic acid is the synthetic version of folate, but it may not be as effective and may elevate our risk of some types of cancer.

On average, those eating the standard American diet are deficient in folate (among other nutrients), and eating a plant-based diet typically provides higher levels of most nutrients, including folate.

Folate is found in dark green leafy vegetables, red lentils, ground flax seeds, and beans. Low folate may be associated with insomnia and depression. Homocysteine, a toxin associated with Alzheimer’s disease, can be detoxified from our body with folate, vitamin B12, and vitamin B6. Folate may be better absorbed if we chop our veggies first.

The information on this page has been compiled from the research presented in the videos listed. Sources for each video can be found by going to the video’s page and clicking on the Sources Cited tab.

All Videos for Folic Acid

Should Vegetarians Take Creatine to Normalize Homocysteine?

What are the consequences of having to make your own creatine rather than relying on dietary sources?

Antioxidants and Depression

Neither antioxidant or folic acid supplements seem to help with mood, but the consumption of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables and folate-rich beans and greens may lower the risk for depression.

Some Dietary Supplements May Be More Than a Waste of Money

People taking dietary supplements may, in some cases, be paying to make themselves sick. This video covers folic acid, beta carotene, and green tea supplements.

Is Vitamin D the New Vitamin E?

The Institute of Medicine’s conservative position on vitamin D is understandable, given the history of hyped vitamin supplements (vitamin A, beta carotene, folic acid, vitamin C, vitamin E) that turned out worthless—or worse.

Can Folic Acid Be Harmful?

New research on the human metabolism of folic acid suggests natural sources of folate are preferable.