Folic acid Vitamin B11
Folic acid is essential for the formation and repair of cells and tissues. The body cannot produce it on its own, so it must be obtained through the diet.
Folic acid is primarily found in animal products such as (red) meat, fish, poultry, milk, and eggs, as well as in grain products like bread and cornflakes. Folic acid is also found in leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, beans, and legumes.
Sufficient vitamin B12 and folic acid are especially necessary for the production of red blood cells. Folic acid plays a major role in cell division and is therefore of great importance during pregnancy in relation to fetal growth.
A deficiency in folic acid or vitamin B12 can be caused by:
- Reduced absorption from food, because someone eats too few products containing vitamin B12 or folic acid, or because the intestines cannot absorb the vitamin B12 and folic acid properly.
- an increased excretion of vitamin B12 or folic acid via the kidneys. This can be caused by some medicines or by excessive alcohol consumption.
- increased need of vitamin B12 or folic acid such as during pregnancy. In this situation, the growth of the fetus requires additional vitamin B12 and folic acid.
021026 LVK: No longer need aluminum foil to seal the tube.
