You may have seen or will see headlines appearing in various media that proclaim folic acid to be potentially carcinogenic. Articles such as this one, http://health.msn.com/nutrition/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100255256, discuss the dangers of the many foods being processed and fortified to boost folic acid content.
Just to clarify…folates (as the family of molecules are called as they are found in nature), also referred to sometimes as Vitamin B-9, are extremely important in cardiovascular health, and maintanance of healthy levels of neurotransmitters, among various other roles. However, folic acid is not folate. The human body must convert folic acid to folate, a system which becomes saturated at the estimated dose of 400 mcg, or which is simply not possible in some individuals who genetically lack the ability to convert.
Why is so much folic acid being used? It is very cost-effective. There are already-converted forms, such as 5-MTHF (5-methyltetrahydrofolate), available in some supplements and prescription products but it’s use has been limited by expense and patenting issues. The best way to make sure you are receiving ample amounts of folate is to have it in the form of whole foods such as spinach. other leafy greens, and beans (here is a listing: http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=nutrient&dbid=63). If you do feel the need to supplement with additional folate, please contact us for references to supplement manufacturers who are using folate instead of folic acid.
This is all one more reason to steer clear of processed foods!
Thanks for reading, and have a happy, healthy day!