Folic acid – also known as Vitamin B9 – is critical for the body’s production and maintenance of new cells, particularly in infants and pregnant women (diminished levels of Vitamin B9 during pregnancy can lead to birth defects). In fact, women who suffer from a deficiency of this vitamin run the risk of babies with low birth weight and premature birth. The normal production of such cells is necessary in order to eliminate the possibility of developing anemia. When the body is deficient of the natural supply of Vitamin B9, a food supplement must be taken to replenish the system, in order to achieve its natural level once again.

Since this particular vitamin is water-soluble (i.e., whatever portion of the vitamin that remains unused by the body is eliminated through the urine), deficiencies are more probable than in the case of a vitamin that is retained by the body. Food supplements are available and often used for many vitamins and minerals, and are quite often used in the case of Vitamin B9, since there is a continuous need for water-soluble vitamins.

Natural Sources of Vitamin B9
There are a number of ways in which to take in the vitamin in through natural sources. Such sources include leafy green vegetables, mushrooms, liver, broccoli, asparagus, certain cereals, grains, juices, and beans/peas which are dried. Under certain circumstances, the levels of Vitamin B9 can be diminished, such as through the use of large amounts of alcohol or through the treatment of anemia. In such cases, there may be an ongoing need for a Vitamin B9 food supplement. Food preparation and certain types of storage also often cause the depletion of the natural vitamin supply.

Symptoms of Vitamin B9 Deficiency
In the event that your body should become deficient of Vitamin B9, you may experience specific symptoms that are inherent to such a deficiency. These may include anemia, weight loss, diarrhea, loss of appetite or soreness of the tongue. In children who are in utero, spina bifida or other birth defects may result if a Vitamin B9 deficiency exists. Pregnant women should consult with their physicians regarding a possible food supplement if such is expected.

Proper Storage Methods to Retain Vitamin B9 Potency Foods
It’s very important to keep produce refrigerated at all times (too many people absently leave such items on the counter while they busy themselves with other things), and to keep milk and products which contain grains out of strong light. If not, the integrity of the vitamin will be compromised and potency will be reduced or lost, causing a deficiency in the body and the need for a food supplement to be administered. All food supplements should be stored in an environment that’s free of moisture and has a steady room temperature in order to maintain the greatest level of potency, as well as the greatest benefit to your health.

Daily Recommended Dosage
For men, the daily recommended dosage of Vitamin B9 is 200mcg, while women who are planning to become pregnant or could become pregnant need to ingest 400mcg each day. After the birth of the child, mothers will need to maintain 280mcg per day when breastfeeding. In all case scenarios, food supplements can be administered if a diminished level of the vitamin is present in the body.