Folic acid helps ease asthma and allergies
Added 01.10.2009
Folic acid not only good for pregnant women
It is well established that folic acid is essential for pregnant women and deficiency is linked to neural tube defects (NTD) as well as to increased risk of premature birth and low infant birth weight. Numerous scientific studies have also associated low levels of folic acid with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer and Alzheimer's disease. A study published this year says folic acid has a positive effect on asthma and allergies.What is folic acid?
Folic acid or folate is a water-soluble member of the vitamin B complex. Its many roles in our body include: breaking down, using and creating proteins; forming red blood cells; and synthesising DNA and RNA. Natural sources can be found in mushrooms, green leafy vegetables, beans and yeast.Folic acid eases ashtma symptoms and allergic reactions
A study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology has determined that folic acid lessens the incidence and symptoms of asthma and allergy.The Scientific Study
Background information
In this study, data (medical records) were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2005-2006) for 8,083 subjects over the age of two. The subjects were divided into quintiles. The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between blood folic acid (folate) levels and markers of atopy, wheezing and asthma (total IgE antiobody levels), and asthma and allergy symptoms. "Allergen-specific IgE levels were measured for a panel of five common aeroallergens and atopy was defined as at least one positive allergen-specific IgE level."
Results
Subjects with high levels of blood folic acid had lower levels of IgE antiobodies (p<0.001) and less atopy and wheezing. Ratios associated with the fifth quintile of folate relative to the first quintile were:
- High IgE level: 0.70 (95% CI, 0.53-0.92).
- Atopy: 0.69 (95% CI, 0.57-0.85).
- Wheeze: 0.60 (95% CI, 0.44-0.82).
Serum folate levels are inversely associated with high total IgE levels, atopy, and wheeze.
How much folic acid do you need?
The recommended daily allowance (RDA) of folic acid for men and non-pregnant women is 400 micrograms a day. Pregnant women should be taking at least 600 micrograms, with 800 micrograms a day being ideal. Folic acid side effects are very rare even at doses over 1,000 micrograms (1 mg) a day.References:
Linus Pauling Institute
Matsui, E.C. & all. "Higher serum folate levels are associated with a lower risk of atopy and wheeze." Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. Vol. 123, Issue 6. pp. 1253-1259. June, 2009.
Matsui, E.C. & all. "Higher serum folate levels are associated with a lower risk of atopy and wheeze." Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. Vol. 123, Issue 6. pp. 1253-1259. June, 2009.
Dr. Bo Nielsen's comments:
This study shows that high blood levels (high intake) of folic acid reduce your risk of allergy. Unfortunately, it is not possible to increase your folic acid blood level only from food. You need to take supplements with folic acid in order to achieve the officially recommended daily intake. In other words, a quality supplement containing between 400-800 micrograms of folic acid is still a good investement in your health.
Doctor's Natural Minerals for men and women include 200 micrograms of selenomethionine.
