Semen Quality May Depend Upon Antioxidants In Man's Diet Jun 4, 2009
"We saw that, among the couples with fertility problems coming to the clinic, the men with good semen quality ate more vegetables and fruit (more vitamins, folic acid and fibre and less proteins and fats) than those men with low seminal quality", explains Mendiola. "A healthy diet is not only a good way of avoiding illness, but could also have an impact on improving seminal quality. What we still do not understand is the difference between taking these vitamins naturally and in the form of... (Science Daily)
Studies tout benefits of folic acid Jun 2, 2009
WASHINGTON - Folic acid is getting renewed attention: Not only does it fight spina bifida and some related abnormalities, new research shows it also could prevent premature birth and heart defects ... Folic acid is an artificial version of folate, a B vitamin found in leafy green vegetables, citrus fruit, and dried beans ... Those defects have dropped by about a third since the United States mandated fortifying certain breads, cereals, and pastas with folic acid in January 1998. (Boston Globe)
Safety Issues: Pills During Pregnancy May 31, 2009
Examples: Levothyroxine (thyroid hormone); B6, folic acid (vitamins). Fact: Experts say there are very few drugs in this safest of categories; the FDA does not track the number of drugs in each group. (Time.com)
Tiny blueberries loaded with powerful antioxidants May 31, 2009
6 grams of fiber and 14 milligrams of vitamin C. They are also rich in carbohydrates, vitamin E, beta-carotene, folic acid, iron and potassium. When purchasing, choose blueberries that are firm, free of mold and uniformly blue. (La Crosse Tribune, WI)
Ballerinas and female athletes share quadruple health threats May 31, 2009
High-dose Folic Acid Supplements Improved Vascular Function in Amenorrheic Runners ... researchers at The Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee found that four to six weeks of high-dose folic acid supplementation could improve vascular function in young female runners who were amenorrheic (not menstruating) ... This is the first study to use folic acid supplementation to improve vascular function in young runners, and is important because folic acid may not only decrease cardiovascular risks... (EurekAlert!)
Herbal Treatments for Psoriasis May 31, 2009
Take a complete vitamin B supplement daily (along with folic acid), especially if taking prescription medications for psoriasis. Eat fiber-rich foods to bind dietary toxins and prevent their absorption. (Suite101.com)
Today in the Kitchen: Why take vitamins and supplements? May 30, 2009
B vitamins 400 mcg folic acid. 300 mcg biotin. (Green Valley News & Sun, AZ)
NICHOLAS D. KRISTOF: Measuring hidden costs of hunger May 29, 2009
Helen Keller International is helping Guinea's leading flour mill fortify its products with iron, folic acid and vitamin B. We visited the mill, and managers said that the fortification costs virtually nothing -- a tiny fraction of a penny per loaf of bread -- yet it will reduce anemia, maternal mortality and cognitive impairments around the country. None of this is glamorous, but it's hugely needed -- and truly a bargain. (Fresno Bee -- Opinion)
Mana Energy Potion, The Sim Factory Team Up to Develop Energy-Packed Track, Car May 28, 2009
The companys follow-up, , possesses a mellow apple-cinnamon flavor and is jam-packed with natural herbs, such as elderberry and ginseng, and the vitamins biotin and folic acid, while providing the same 5-8 hours of smooth, powerful energy with no sugar or after crash. Additional information is available at. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
CELEB CHEFS: How to do healthy, cheap family meals May 27, 2009
"Kids can put beans, salsa and some cheese in a whole-grain tortilla, wrap it up and microwave it for a few seconds. Burritos are very inexpensive to make and are loaded with protein, fiber and folic acid.". Home-made trail mix with whole-grain cereal, dried fruit, nuts and M&Ms. (USA Today)
Some neural tube defects in mice linked to enzyme deficiency May 26, 2009
St. Louis, May 25, 2009 Women of childbearing age can reduce the risk of having a child born with a neural tube defect such as spina bifida by eating enough folate or folic acid ... That led the team to consider that there are birth defects that don't respond to folic acid but may respond to inositol treatment, says Wilson, whose research is being funded by the National Institutes of Health and the Children's Discovery Institute at Washington University and St. Louis Children's Hospital ... A... (EurekAlert!)
Pollution Changes DNA in Three Days May 22, 2009
On a hopeful note, the research team raised the possibility that methylation damage can be ameliorated by folic acid, a vitamin found in many foods. We found that subjects with higher intakes of methyl nutrients were protected from some of the cardiac effects of particulate matter, Baccarelli said. (Newsmax)
Supplements Can Do Good Or Cause Harm May 20, 2009
In particular, supplements that Anding, Kuehneman and Nielsen promote for certain patients are folic acid, vitamin D, fish oil and calcium. They'd prefer people get them from food, but pills will do. (Click2Houston, TX)
Folic Acid Effecive In Preventing Congenital Heart Defects, Canadian Research Shows May 20, 2009
ScienceDaily (May 19, 2009) The Canadian policy of fortifying grain products with folic acid has already proved to be effective in preventing neural tube defects. New research published in the British Medical Journal by a group of researchers from the McGill Adult Unit for Congenital Heart Disease (MAUDE Unit), the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) and McGill University, shows that folic acid also decreases the incidence of congenital heart defects by more than 6... (Science Daily)
Folic acid key for fetal development May 20, 2009
Folic acid, a water-soluble B-complex vitamin, helps produce energy and healthy red blood cells ... Folic acid plays a role in heart health through lowering blood homocysteine levels along with vitamins B12 and B6 ... Studies show folic acid also may play a role in preventing age-related macular degeneration and dementia. (La Crosse Tribune, WI)
Study: Kids more apt to smoke if mom did while pregnant May 20, 2009
"When you decide to become pregnant, there are certain steps to take to optimize the health of the hoped-for child, such as taking folic acid and weight reduction for the very overweight," Edelman said. "Now, even more forcefully, we add stop smoking and get others in the household to do so as well.". (Honolulu Advertiser)
Drugs/Vitamins May 20, 2009
For example, according to Vagnini, common aluminum antacids such as Maalox and Mylanta can cause a depletion of vitamin A, vitamin D, folic acid, calcium, chromium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus and zinc. Statin drugs, like Lipitor, Mevacor, Zocor and Pravachol, are meant to treat elevated levels of cholesterol. (KFOXTV.com, TX)
Spring is season to enjoy asparagus at its best May 17, 2009
It is high in folic acid, a good source of potassium, high in vitamins A, C and B6, a fair source of fiber, low in sodium and contains only a trace of fat and no cholesterol. It can be served and cooked many ways. (La Crosse Tribune, WI)
Long-Term Folate Use Cuts Preterm Delivery Risk May 14, 2009
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Taking folic acid supplements before conceiving a child may help prevent premature delivery, a large new study demonstrates ... The mechanism by which folic acid might prevent preterm birth is unknown, Bukowski said, although it is possible that supplementation could prevent women from developing infections of the uterus, which are associated with early preterm birth. (MEDLINEplus)
Folic Acid Fights Premature Births May 14, 2009
The March of Dimes says that women should start taking folic acid for at least a year before they get pregnant ... "We already know that folic acid supplementation beginning before pregnancy and continuing into the first trimester helps prevent serious birth defects of the brain and spinal cord, such as spina bifida," said Dr. Alan R. Fleischman of the March of Dimes ... "(This) research ... reinforces our message that every woman of childbearing age should consume 400 micrograms of folic acid... (KIRO TV, WA)
Folic Acid Reduces Infant Heart Defects May 14, 2009
TUESDAY, May 12 (HealthDay News) -- Since the mandatory addition of folic acid to flour, pasta and other grain products took effect in Canada more than a decade ago, fewer babies have been born with congenital heart defects, researchers report. Folic acid, a type of vitamin B, has been shown to reduce neural tube birth defects, such as spina bifida or anencephaly ... Now it seems folic acid may also prevent heart defects. (MEDLINEplus)
Folic acid 'protects baby hearts' May 13, 2009
Folic acid protects baby hearts. Flour can be fortified with folic acid ... Mandatory fortification of bread with folic acid would slash the risk of babies being born with a heart problem, experience from Canada shows. (BBC News -- Health)
Taking Folic Acid Supplements Before Conception Linked To Reduced Risk Of Premature Birth May 13, 2009
ScienceDaily (May 12, 2009) Taking folic acid supplements for at least a year before conception is associated with reduction in the risk of premature birth, according to a study by Radek Bukowski (from the University of Texas Medical Branch, United States of America) and colleagues ... Currently, there are no effective methods of prevention or treatment of premature (preterm) birth, but previous studies have suggested that lower concentrations of folate (folic acid) are associated with shorter... (Science Daily)
Folic acid food cuts birth defects May 13, 2009
LONDON: Fortifying flour and pasta products with folic acid appears to cut the number of babies born with congenital heart disease, the most common of all birth defects, Canadian researchers said on Tuesday ... "These findings support the hypothesis that folic acid has a preventive effect on heart defects," Louise Pilote of McGill University in Montreal and colleagues wrote ... "Public health measures to increase folic acid intake were followed by a decrease in the birth prevalence of severe... (India Times, India)
Taking Folic Acid for a Year Before Pregnancy May Reduce Risk of Preterm Birth May 12, 2009
Findings Reinforce March of Dimes Message: Start Taking a Vitamin with Folic Acid Before Pregnancy. WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., May 11 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Women who take folic acid supplements for at least one year before they become pregnant may cut their risk of having a premature baby by half, according to research published this week in the online journal, PLOS Medicine ... "We already know that folic acid supplementation beginning before pregnancy and continuing into the first trimester... (PR Newswire)
This month, say it with salad May 11, 2009
Research shows that people who eat salads have higher levels of Vitamins C, E, B6 and folic acid, all of which are essential to promoting a healthy immune system. Many salads also provide fatty acids and alpha-linolenic acid, which can actually help protect women against fatal heart attacks. (Erie Times-News, PA)
HOW SEX WORKS May 10, 2009
Well, men with darker skin have higher levels of folic acid, because their darker skin protects this vitamin from sunlight, which destroys it. Folic acid, in turn, is thought to improve the quality of men's sperm. (New York Post -- Opinions)
Celebrating Moms-To-Be With A Healthy Treat May 9, 2009
Bortnick also prepares dishes, like buckwheat pancakes, which are filled with folic acid, a key vitamin for babies. Bortnick also recommends dishes that contain leafy vegetables, like quinoa that can be served in different ways. (W-USA News, DC)
Coffee in Pregnancy May up Cleft Lip Risk Slightly May 8, 2009
For now, Wilcox added, women who are planning to become pregnant or are pregnant should focus on lifestyle changes that are of proven benefit to babies such as taking folic acid and, if they smoke, quitting. SOURCE: American Journal of Epidemiology, May 15, 2009. (MEDLINEplus)
Supplement Trio Improves Asthma Symptoms May 7, 2009
In addition, recent research from the Johns Hopkins Childrens Center found that folic acid may lessen the symptoms of asthma and allergies. Almost 20 million Americans suffer from asthma, and the numbers of people diagnosed with the condition are rising. (Newsmax)
Eat, drink, be healthy May 6, 2009
When choosing a processed food, Omar suggests, be sure it's helping you meet your goals by delivering fiber, protein or potassium; many processed foods are fortified with calcium, folic acid and other needed nutrients ... Omar adds that we might want to also consider supplementing with calcium, Omega-3 fatty acids (for cardiovascular health) and folic acid. (Auburn Citizen, NY)
Afternoon Slump? Right Foods Can Give Boost May 6, 2009
"Folic acid can counter depression, clinical studies show," Nielsen said. "A lack of selenium can cause bad moods, but Brazil nuts or tuna or sunflower seeds contain a lot of selenium.". (Click2Houston, TX)
Vitamin E, Selenium and Soy Won't Prevent Prostate Cancer May 5, 2009
Other recent studies have suggested that vitamins, B, C, D, E, folic acid and calcium taken alone, or in various combinations, aren't effective for cancer prevention. "Single-agent interventions, even in combinations, may be an ineffective approach to primary prevention in average-risk populations," wrote Dr. Peter Gann, author of an accompanying Journal of the American Medical Association editorial. (MEDLINEplus)
Vitamin B9 treats allergies, asthma May 3, 2009
WASHINGTON: Folic acid, or vitamin B9, essential for the health of red blood cells and known to reduce the risk of spinal birth defects, may also suppress allergic reactions and lessen the severity of allergy and asthma symptoms. Johns Hopkins scientists, who conducted the first ever study examining the link between blood levels of folate, the naturally occurring form of folic acid and allergies, said results add to mounting evidence that folate can help regulate inflammation ... Cautioning that... (India Times, India)
Folic Acid Might Offer Allergy Relief May 2, 2009
THURSDAY, April 30 (HealthDay News) -- Folic acid, also known an vitamin B9, might help treat allergies and asthma, suggests a new study. Researchers from the Johns Hopkins Children's Center reviewed the medical records of more than 8,000 people, ages 2 to 85, to track the effect of folic acid levels on respiratory and allergic symptoms and on levels of IgE antibodies, the immune system markers that increase in response to an allergen ... They found that people with higher blood levels of folic... (MEDLINEplus)
Today In the Kitchen: Diet, nutrition and cancer prevention May 2, 2009
There was some less-known information about reducing fat for negative estrogen receptor tumors, and folic acid (one of the B vitamins) as a preventative factor, but problematic after a cancer has started. For the most part, this talk was about healthy eating, and one of the first recommendations, you may recognize from one of my recent columns, is to read labels. (Green Valley News & Sun, AZ)
How To Protect Against Flu Epidemic Apr 30, 2009
Other supplements that strengthen the immune system: , probiotics, vitamins B (6, 12, and folic acid), C, E, and CoEnzyme Q10. Improving immune system function is really the best defense against illness of any kind. (Suite101.com)
Hopkins Children's study: Folic acid may help treat allergies, asthma Apr 30, 2009
Folic acid, or vitamin B9, essential for red blood cell health and long known to reduce the risk of spinal birth defects, may also suppress allergic reactions and lessen the severity of allergy and asthma symptoms, according to new research from the Johns Hopkins Children's Center. In what is believed to be the first study in humans examining the link between blood levels of folate the naturally occurring form of folic acid and allergies, the Hopkins scientists say results add to mounting... (EurekAlert!)
BlazBlue Joins Forces with Mana E... Apr 30, 2009
The company's follow up, Health Energy Potion, possesses a mellow apple-cinnamon flavor and is jam-packed with natural herbs, such as elderberry and ginseng, and the biotin and folic acid, while providing the same 5-8 hours of smooth, powerful energy with no sugar or after crash. Additional information is available at www. (New York Post -- Entertainment)
Pregnant Women With Epilepsy Should Avoid Valproate Apr 29, 2009
The guidelines also recommend that women with epilepsy follow the standard recommendation to take 400 international units of folic acid daily to help prevent birth defects. "Before a woman with epilepsy gets pregnant, she should consult a doctor who's knowledgeable about epilepsy and pregnancy, reduce medications if possible, and start taking folic acid," said Devinsky, adding that "women who are well-controlled going into pregnancy tend to do well in pregnancy.". (MEDLINEplus)
• Taking mocktails seriously Apr 29, 2009
"Preggatinis" presents drinks for those preparing to be pregnant (think milk thistle and antioxidants such as blueberries), for combating morning sickness (think ginger) and for increasing folic acid intake. The latter includes one of my favorites, the Folic Fizz (with cantaloupe and strawberries). (Burley South Idaho Press, ID)
ABCs of Nutrition: Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) Apr 29, 2009
It is linked to cardiovascular health by decreasing the formation of homocysteine along with vitamin B12 and folic acid. Studies have shown pyridoxine to have some effect on reducing nausea during pregnancy. (La Crosse Tribune, WI)
Engineered corn's vitamin boost Apr 28, 2009
The modifications make the growing corn, or maize, produce large amounts of beta carotene and precursors of vitamin C and folic acid ... VITAMIN BENEFITS Beta carotene - becomes Vitamin A - good for skin, eyesight, embryonic development, fertility and the immune system Folate - folic acid - helps with red blood cell formation and many genetic processes, aids development of foetus during pregnancy Ascorbate - becomes Vitamin C - essential for skin proteins and wound-healing and stimulates the... (BBC News)
Experts Highlight Inroads to Preventing Cancer Apr 28, 2009
Folic acid supplements, smoking and genetics are among research targets ... Rats born to mothers who had been given folic acid supplementation during and after pregnancy were found to have experienced changes in DNA methylation in both the liver and the colon ... Folic acid is recommended before and during pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects in babies. (MEDLINEplus)
Epilepsy Drug Impairs Baby's Intelligence Apr 17, 2009
After compensating for other factors that might influence a child's intelligence -- such as maternal IQ, maternal age, the dose of anti-epileptic medication, gestational age at birth and the mother's intake of folic acid -- the researchers found that children exposed to valproate during pregnancy had significantly lower IQ scores than the children exposed to the other medications. The average IQ for children exposed in the womb to lamotrigine was 101, for phenytoin it was 99, and for... (MEDLINEplus)
4 Guilt-Free Carbs Apr 15, 2009
It s also a good source of folic acid, calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, and zinc. Millet is typically eaten in place of rice, buckwheat or qu 00004000 inoa and doesn t form an acid in the body, so it s easy to digest. (Fox News)
Vitamins - Small Complex Nutrients ... Apr 15, 2009
But there are exceptions such as in vitamin E which is twice as potent in its natural form than its synthetic form, and conversely, folic acid which is more potent in its synthetic form than in its natural form. As previously mentioned, attempting to capture all of the nutritional benefits from food is sometimes difficult due to improper handling and storage. (Suite101.com)
Supplements for Restless Legs Syndr... Apr 14, 2009
Supplementation of folic acid (folate), one of the B complex vitamins, has been used to bring relief from restless legs and there is some evidence of its efficacy, at least in cases of deficiency. Because folic acid is very safe, there is no reason why everyone with RLS shouldn't try it. (Suite101.com)
Epigenetics: DNA Isnt Everything Apr 13, 2009
If Agouti females are fed with a cocktail of vitamin B12, folic acid and cholin, directly prior to and during pregnancy, they give birth to mainly brown, slim and healthy offspring. They in turn mainly have offspring similar to themselves. (Science Daily)
Is Your Multivitamin Safe? Apr 11, 2009
Several multivitamin products tested, including three for children, exceeded tolerable upper limits established by the Institute of Medicine for ingredients such as vitamin A, folic acid and zinc. based in White Plains, New York, is a privately held company and provides consumer information and independent evaluations of products that affect health and nutrition. (W-USA News, DC)
Danger in your daily multivitamin? Apr 10, 2009
Several multivitamin products tested, including three for children, exceeded tolerable upper limits established by the Institute of Medicine for ingredients such as vitamin A, folic acid, niacin and zinc, according to the report posted on www ... One contained too much folic acid, which may increase the risk of prostate cancer, while another was contaminated with lead ... Two out of five general multivitamins were short on ingredients: one provided only 50 percent of its claimed folic acid and... (MSNBC -- Health)
Churn Baby, Churn: Using Virtual Stomachs to Regurgitate the Mysteries of Digestion Apr 7, 2009
Proponents of raw cuisine like to point out that cooking breaks down a number of beneficial enzymes and vitamins, but critics note that stomach acid inactivates enzymes anyway, and moderate cooking can also help release other nutrients such as a tomato's lycopene (an antioxidant with potential health benefits) or folic acid and beta-carotene from spinach. The fact is that, in general, the mechanics of how our digestive systems break down solid foods and reap their benefits are poorly understood. (Scientific American)
Health Benefits, Consequences Of Folic Acid Dependent On Circumstances Apr 6, 2009
Further, the intake of folic acid that results from consuming foods that are voluntarily fortified (e. g.: ready-to-eat cereals) in combination with the additional intake received from mandatory fortification of flour means that supplementary intake of folic acid is unnecessary for many segments of the population, and may even present a risk ... Nevertheless, the issue is a complicated one since women of child-bearing age seem to benefit from supplemental folic acid in regard to its protection... (Science Daily)
Link Between Folate Enrichment and Colon Cancer? Apr 4, 2009
The rate of colorectal cancer in Chile may have increased since that country began fortifying wheat flour with folic acid, reports a study in the European Journal of Gastroenterology ology ... Possible Increase in Colon Cancer after Start of Folic Acid Fortification ... The researchers analyzed changes in colon cancer rates since the Chilean government introduced a mandatory program of folic acid fortification of wheat flour in 2000. (Newsmax)
YOUR HEALTH: How to fight age-related macular degeneration Apr 2, 2009
WARNING SIGNS OF AMD. But they are no longer able to drive. (USA Today -- News)
Miracle pill 'may drain budgets' Apr 1, 2009
The pill, which combines aspirin, folic acid and blood pressure and cholesterol lowering drugs, has been hailed as the magic bullet to heart-related problems. The study of 5,000 people by Erasmus University in Holland said it had the potential to cut heart attack deaths. (BBC News -- Health)
Polypill 'could become a reality' Apr 1, 2009
The polypill used in the latest study combines five active pharmacological ingredients widely available separately - aspirin, a statin to lower cholesterol and three blood pressure-lowering drugs - as well as folic acid. Does what it says on the tin. (BBC News -- Science)
'Miracle heart pill' for all Apr 1, 2009
The pill would combine aspirin, a cholesterol lowering drug, three blood pressure lowering drugs and folic acid. Patients would have to have an initial check-up from a doctor before they were prescribed the pill. (BBC News -- Health)
Which comes first? The dinosaur or the egg? Mar 28, 2009
In the 1980s researchers pinned down the importance of folic acid to the development of the spinal cord in human embryos ... The simple remedy of adding folic acid to the diet of pregnant women now prevents countless cases of these defects. (Globe and Mail)
No comments posted. Mar 28, 2009
USC Studies Folic Acid Supplements ... Published: Friday, March 27, 2009 4:29 PM PDT DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES - A study led by USC researchers found that men who took a daily folic acid supplement of 1 mg had more than twice the risk of prostate cancer compared with men who took a placebo ... The finding came from a secondary analysis of the Aspirin/Folate Polyp Prevention Study, a placebo-controlled randomized trial to determine the impact of aspirin and folic acid on colon polyps in men and women... (Los Angeles Downtown News, CA)
Under five mortality rate can be prevented Mar 28, 2009
This is because children were exposed to the eating of bread and other baked foods earlier in life, so eating fortified foods containing the required nutrients such as vitamins and folic acid would boost their immune system ... The wheat flour for instance was fortified with a number of nutrients including iron, vitamins A and B, folic acid and zinc, to reduce widespread deficiency of those important nutrients. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Omega-3 Fatty Acids Guard against Advanced Prostate Cancer Mar 26, 2009
Other recent studies have suggested that vitamins, B, C, D, E, folic acid and calcium taken alone, or in various combinations, aren't effective for cancer prevention either. Nevertheless, more research into omega-3s role in prostate cancer prevention is needed, Jacobs said. (MEDLINEplus)
Mushrooms to be used as drugs for Cancer, HIV and respiratory diseases Mar 26, 2009
It contains vitamins Iron, Calcium, Phosphorus and other Folic Acid that will help boost the immune system. The Minister of Environment, Science and Technology Ms Sherry Ayitey disclosed this at the opening of the second African Conference on Edible and Medicinal Mushrooms (ACEMM) on Wednesday in Accra. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Dr. Domagk, Prontosil and Sulfa Ant... Mar 25, 2009
Sulfa Drugs, PABA, Folic Acid: Biochemical Decoys and Enzyme Competitive Inhibition ... Para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) is an important precursor to folic acid, a critical vitamin and growth factor needed for carbon transfers inside all bacterial and animal cells ... Many bacteria cannot use a host's folic acid because the molecule is too big. (Suite101.com)
What colour are you eating? Mar 25, 2009
Dr. Ashok Agarwal, a food and nutrition secialist, explains They are excellent sources of vitamin K, folic acid, potassium, as well as carotenoids and omega-3 fatty acids. Folic acid is needed to prevent neural tube defects during pregnancy, while vitamin K is essential in blood clot formation. (India Times, India)
