Learn How Folic Acid Hair Growth Supplements Work

The desire of women of any age is always to have hair which is soft, gorgeous and long. They’re willing to test almost all types of merchandise in order to improve their crowning glory. Word is out over the internet that taking folic acid hair growth supplements will surely do wonders. In this article we [...]

Certain dietary supplements associated with increased risk of death in older women, study suggests

Consuming dietary supplements, including multivitamins, folic acid, iron and copper, among others, appears to be associated with an increased risk of death in older women, according to a new report.

First fluorescence-guided ovarian cancer surgery

The first fluorescence-guided surgery on an ovarian cancer patient was performed using an imaging agent attached to a modified form of the vitamin folic acid, which acts as a “homing device” to seek out and attach to ovarian cancer cells. Surgeons were able to see clusters of cancer cells as small as one-tenth of a millimeter — 30 times smaller than the smallest they could detect using standard techniques.

Folic acid during pregnancy may reduce baby’s cancer risk

(NaturalNews) The importance of maintaining high intake levels of folic acid during pregnancy has been established by numerous scientific studies, all of which verify that the vitamin directly affects the intelligence and physical health of the child later in life. And now a new study adds to this body of evidence, showing a 64 percent reduction in colon cancer rates among children whose mothers supplemented with folic acid during pregnancy. Published in the journal Gut , the new study exhibits positive benefits to taking folic acid, a B-vitamin which is found naturally in leafy-green vegetables, lentils, and beans. Besides helping to prevent birth defects, folate is known to make and help replicate DNA, as well as aid in the production of new blood cells. “It appears that giving folic acid during pregnancy and lactation reduces DNA damage and suppresses the proliferation of cells in the colon,” said Dr. Young-in Kim, gastroenterologist at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto and author of the study. “It actually increases the stability of the DNA and this might be one of the mechanisms of how folic acid in utero may protect against colon cancer.” A 2010 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that folic acid supplementation during pregnancy aids in producing children with improved brain development and better motor skills (http://www.naturalnews.com/030843_folic_acid_motor_skills.html). And in 2006, a study published in the peer-reviewed journal CANCER found that folic acid helps to prevent and treat cancer in general (http://www.naturalnews.com/019986_cancer_folate_folic_acid.html). “Folic acid … is essential in DNA synthesis and in the way in which genes are expressed,” writes James Scala, PhD, in his book 20 Natural Ways to Reduce the Risk of Prostate Cancer: A Mind-Body Approach to Health and Well-Being . “Data … indicates folic acid shortfalls predispose people to cancer.” Sources for this story include: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2011-05/tes-dmh052711.php

Why folic acid may prevent a first heart attack, but not a second

A perplexing medical paradox now has an explanation according to new research. The paradox is that taking folic acid, a B vitamin, lowers homocysteine in the blood which, epidemiological evidence indicates, should lower the risk of heart attack, but clinical trials of folic acid have not shown the expected benefit.

Iron, folic acid supplementation during pregnancy results in children with better motor skills

(NaturalNews) A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association highlights the importance of getting plenty of the right vitamins, minerals and nutrients during pregnancy. The study showed that Indian women who supplemented with prenatal iron, folic acid and vitamin A produced children who were smarter and had better motor skills than children from mothers who did not supplement. “Micronutrient inadequacy is a critical concern among pregnant women and young children throughout the world,” explained Parul Christian, Dr.P.H., from Johns Hopkins University, and his colleagues in their study paper. “Gestation and the early postnatal period are considered sensitive periods for brain development, and nutritional deprivation during this period may lead to functional impairments.” Researchers evaluated 676 children between 7-9 years of age who had been born to various women given either folic acid and iron; folic acid, iron and zinc; folic acid, iron, zinc and 11 other micronutrients; or placebo. The team found that iron and folic acid in particular improved intellectual capacity, executive function, motor function and fine motor control. Iron deficiency in particular is associated with negative alterations in cognitive development, which can lead to decreased intellectual capacity and under-developed motor skills. Additionally, women who do not get enough folic acid during pregnancy have a much higher risk of bearing a child with birth defects (http://www.naturalnews.com/030169_birth_defects_inositol.html). Foods naturally rich in iron include string beans, turnip greens, mustard greens, spinach, chard and other leafy greens. These same greens also contain high levels of natural folate, as do beans, peas, asparagus, avocados, strawberries and oranges. And zinc-rich foods include oysters, certain meats, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds and green peas. Sources for this story include: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2010-12/jaaj-psf121610.php http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20101221/hl_nm/us_brain_nutrients

Increased consumption of folic acid can reduce birth defects but may also be associated with colorectal cancer

Folic acid can reduce birth defects including neural tube defects, congenital heart disease and oral clefts but some speculate high intakes of folic acid may be associated with adverse events such as colorectal cancer.

Age-related hearing loss and folate in the elderly

Age-related hearing loss, one of the four most prevalent chronic conditions in the elderly, is associated with low serum levels of folic acid, according to new research.

Link between folic acid supplementation in pregnancy, DNA methylation and birth weight in newborn babies

Groundbreaking work by a team of UK scientists has identified, for the first time, a link between changes in the DNA of newborn babies, folic acid supplementation during pregnancy, and birth weight.

Meta-analysis shows no heart benefits for folic acid supplements

Use of folic acid supplements appears to lower blood levels of the amino acid homocysteine — theorized to be a risk factor for heart and blood vessel disease — but does not appear to be associated with reduced rates of cardiovascular events, cancer or death over a five-year period, according to a meta-analysis of previously published studies.

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