Name:

Folic Acid

 

Action:

A water soluble vitamin taken prior to and during pregnancy. Can help to prevent neural tube defects and helps to maintain healthy Homocystein levels in the body. Easily destroyed during cooking so vegetables should be cooked for as short a time as possible. Refined foods are very limited in this nutrient. The bioavailability is reduced by alcohol, the contraceptive pill, aspirin, antacids, cimetidine (Zantac).

Uses:

Protects against Spina Bifida in the unborn foetus, Maintains Healthy Homocystein Levels, Overall Health Maintenance.

Food Source:

Liver, cereals, brussel sprouts, orange, spinach, chickpeas, green leafy vegetables, soya flour, yeast extract.