“Vitamin B9 is essential for blood circulation, for the formation of red blood cells, and therefore for the transport of nutrition and oxygen to the muscles”, explains Dr. Alice Cancellato.
We often hear about folic acid related to pregnancy: This nutrient, however, is not only useful for pregnant women, but is also of considerable importance for athletes and cardiovascular health. We talked about it with Dr. Alice Cancellato, nutrition biologist at the Center for Birth Sciences and Oncological Gynecology of the IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital in Milan.
“In the meantime, let’s start with a distinction: thefolic acid is vitamin B9 in summary, which we find in supplements or in fortified foods such as cereals. THE folate is vitamin B9 found in foods: in large leafy vegetables, fruit (especially strawberries, avocados, apples and kiwis), whole grains, legumes, eggs, broccoli. The limitation of folic acid is that it is one thermolabile vitamin, then with cooking you può disperse. For this reason, it is better to consume it with raw fruit and vegetables such as salads, or with vegetables that are not overcooked ”, Dr. Cancellato points out to Gazzetta Active.
What is it for?
“The vitamin B9 it is very important for the metabolism of red blood cells, for blood clotting, because it participates together in the vitamin B6 and B12 to keep homocysteine levels low. And too high levels of homocysteine are dangerous at the cardiovascular level, therefore for the risk of heart attacks and strokes, because they lead to the formation of blood clots in the cardiovascular system. In case of anemia this may be due precisely to folate deficiency. In this case it is called megaloblastic anemia, and it is not due to an iron deficiency “.
Read also: B vitamins: essential for energy, but not only …
So does a correct intake of folic acid also protect the heart?
“Yes, absolutely yes”.
What are the symptoms of a deficiency?
“There is an increase in homocysteine levels and problems in blood clotting. But it is necessary to do an ad hoc examination to see it ”.
Are there any risks associated with excessive vitamin B9 intake?
“No, because the excess is eliminated in the urine. Precisely for this reason, especially if you are pregnant, it is essential to take folic acid supplements, especially in the first three months just before conception and in the first three months of pregnancy, and it is recommended to continue until delivery. Also because folic acid participates in DNA synthesis and cell replication. For this reason, congenital defects in children such as spina bifida are due to folic acid deficiency “.
Does it have any particular utility for sportsmen?
“Vitamin B9 is essential for blood circulation, for the formation of red blood cells, and therefore for the transport of iron, nutrition and oxygen to the muscles”.
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25 October 2020 – 15:13
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