Folic Acid, Folate or Folicin

Recommended Daily Allowance: (FDA) .01 mg for infants

.04 mg for adults

.08 mg for pregnant and lactating women

Physiological Effects: Inhibits atherosclerosis.  Important in RBC formation.  Metabolizes proteins.  Necessary for synthesis and utilization of amino acids.  Necessary for synthesis of nucleic acids.  Improves lactation, increases pain threshold.

Deficiency Disorders: Macrocytic anemia, smooth red tongue, gastrointestinal disorders, B12 deficiency, atherosclerosis, gout, pernicious anemia, fetal deformities such as cleft palate, brain damage, slow development or poor learning ability, psoriasis, chronic fatigue.

Natural Sources: Liver, Brewer's yeast, wheat germ, spinach, green leafy vegetables, soy flour, wheat bran, egg yolks, apricots, cantaloupe, avocados, beans.

Synergistic Substances: B complex vitamins, biotin, panthothenic acid, Vitamin C, zinc.

Antagonistic Substances: Oral contraceptives, alcohol, estrogen, tranquilizers, barbiturates, Mycitracin, certain antibiotics, Butazolidin, Mycolog, Daraninde, Cantanol, Lidosporin, Neomycin, Neosporin, Polysporin, Premarin, Sterazolidin, coffee, cola drinks, fever, heating, sulfa drugs, smoking, aspirin.