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The Health Benefits of the Vitamin B9
Folic Acid
The health benefits of an adequate intake of
Vitamin B9 are phenomenal, with the awareness
of the outstanding functions of Folic Acid increasing
among more and more individuals in society on
a daily basis. Vitamin B9 has a number of special
functions which, just as is the case with the
majority of the B Vitamin complex, aids in the
overall health of the human body. As such, the
benefits and functions due to Vitamin B9 commonly
known as Folic Acid include:
- needed to prevent the anaemia of pregnancy
- required for the production and maintenance
of new cells; especially during such periods
as infancy and pregnancy where rapid cell division
and growth takes place
- increased dietary intake of Folic Acid reduces
the risk of neural birth defects in newborns
- Vitamin B9 reduces homocystene, which means
a lower risk of heart disease and stroke
Where can Vitamin B9 be found?
Vitamin B9 occurs naturally in foods but can
also be taken as supplements. These natural food
sources includes the following list:
- leafy vegetables such as spinach and turnip
greens
- dried beans and peas
- fortified cereal products
- and other fruits and vegetables
With the recent discover of the great benefits
of Vitamin B6 and the necessity of an increased
intake of Folic Acid for a good diet, many foods
are currently being fortified with this vitamin
so as to ensure that individuals in society get
enough Vitamin B6. Some of these foods being fortified
with Folic Acid include: enriched breads, cereals, flour, corn meals, pastas, rice, and other grain products.
Vitamin B9 Deficiencies
A Vitamin B9 deficiency can be a very serious
matter and result in a number health-hazards for
the individual sufferer. Essentially what happens
in the case of a deficiency in Vitamin B9 is that
DNA synthesis and cell division is hindered, affecting
the bone marrow, a site of rapid cell turnover.
Due to this occurring, RNA and protein synthesis
is not hindered, which results in large red blood
cells (megaloblasts) products being produced.
In the end what occurs is megaloblastic anaemia.
A Vitamin B9 deficiency can furthermore lead to
specific cancers such as breast, pancreatic, and
colon cancer developing, due to damage to DNA.
Signs and symptoms of a deficiency in Vitamin
B9 include:
- loss of appetite resulting in weight loss
- weakness
- sore tongue
- headaches
- heart palpitation
- irritability
- behavioural disorders
- anaemia in adults
- often linked to depression
- slow growth rate in infants and children
To get more information on how becoming involved
with Herbalife and as such how using the Herbalife
Shapeworks products, which are great sources of
Vitamin B9 and other vitamins and minerals, can
help improve your general health and well-being,
get in contact with us by sending an Email to info@shapelife.co.za
(The information on this page are the comments
of an independent Herbalife distributor).
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