Folic acid in human body

The term ‘folic acid’ refers specifically to pteroylmonoglutamic acid which reference to the pteroic acid and glutamate moieties.

Folic acid is required for the formation of blood cells by the bone marrow and is involved in the formation of the blood pigment hemoglobin.

During pregnancy folic acid helps create red blood cells for the increased blood volume required by the mother, fetus and placenta.

asparagus

It is also required for the synthesis of some amino acids. Deficiency symptoms involve pernicious anemia.

Scientific experiments have revealed that folic acid deficiencies cause DNA damage resembling the DNA damage in cancer cells.

Folic acid is found in liver, dried beans, peas, lentils, orange, whole-wheat products, asparagus, beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts and spinach.
Folic acid in human body