Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid)

Folic Acid or folate is another water-soluble member of the B-complex family. According to research women can reduce their risk of heart attacks by 42 percent by taking just 400 mcg. of folic acid with 2-10mg. of vitamin B6 every day.

Benefits and functions:

• Protects against birth defects
• Improves lactation
• Protects against intestinal parasites and food poisoning
• Lowers homocysteine levels thus reducing the risk of heart disease
• Helps prevent anemia
• Promotes healthier looking skin
• Acts as an analgesic for pain
• Necessary for DNA and RNA
• Essential to the formation of red blood cells by its action on the bone marrow
• Aids in amino acid metabolism

Possible symptoms of deficiency:

• Gastrointestinal disorders
• Anemia
• Premature gray hair