Folic Acid (also known as folate or folacin) is an important member of the B vitamin complex. As Folic Acid is the vitamin most commonly deficient in human diets, supplementation is vital to maintaining health.
Folic Acid is widely recognized for its importance in the development of the fetus. Several birth defects, such as neural tube defects (including spinal bifida) can be attributed to a lack of Folic Acid during pregnancy. It is recommended that all women of childbearing age supplement with folic acid prior to conception or at least very early in their pregnancy, continuing throughout later stages.
Folic Acid is also beneficial in reducing the concentration of homocysteine in the body. High homocysteine levels have been cited as a factor in the development of arteriosclerosis and osteoporosis. Homocysteine causes arteriosclerosis by weakening the walls of blood vessels;arteriosclerosis can lead to heart attacks or strokes.