Vitamin B9 (folic acid) has been shown to be beneficial in the following conditions:
Prevention of birth defects in pregnant women or women planning to become pregnant
May help prevent miscarriage
Lowering homocysteine levels in combination with other B vitamins
May be helpful in depression and Alzheimer’s disease
Osteoporosis, in combination with other vitamins and minerals
Cancer, especially colon, breast, and esophagus. May help in cervical dysplasia, a precancerous change
Burns, in combination with other B vitamins
Anemias
Drugs that deplete Vitamin B9 (folic acid):
Antibiotics, with long term use
Aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and acetaminophen (Tylenol) all can increase the need for folic acid
Birth Control Pills
Anticonvulsants, such as phenytoin (Dilantin) or carbamazepine (Tegretol)
Cholesterol lowering drugs such as cholestyramine (Questran), colestipol (Colestid), and colesevelam (Welchol) that bind cholesterol and fats in the GI tract
Sulfasalazine
Methotrexate
Antacids
H2 blockers such as cimetidine (Tagamet), ranitidine (Zantac), and famotidine (Pepcid)
Metformin (Glucophage)
Barbiturates such as pentobarbital and Phenobarbital
Laboratory testing for Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid)
RBC folate, serum folate assays
Leukocyte functional assays
Food Sources:
Spinach, dark, leafy greens, asparagus, turnips, beets, mustard greens, brussel sprouts, lima beans, soybeans, beef liver, brewer’s yeast, root vegetables, whole grains, wheat germ, bulgur wheat, kidney beans, white beans, mung beans, oysters, salmon, orange juice, avocado, and milk.