Folic Acid Prevents Cleft Lip

(Page 2)

Although women who take folic acid supplements appear to benefit the most, Dr. Wilcox said it's still important to eat foods rich in folate.

"Eating a good diet with a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables is probably a very good thing for women who are planning to get pregnant," he said. "We shouldn't count on pills to provide everything we need. Nothing replaces a well-balanced diet."

According to the National Institutes of Health, dietary sources of folic acid and folate include:

 Beans and legumes
 Citrus fruits and juices
 Wheat bran and other whole grains
 Dark, green leafy vegetables
 Poultry
 Pork
 Shellfish
 Liver

Even if you're not pregnant, you can benefit from folic acid. A study published in the Jan. 20 issue of The Lancet reveals folic acid improves cognitive function in older adults. Folic acid may improve brain function by lowering levels of homocysteine -- an amino acid in the blood linked to increased risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke and Alzheimer's disease.

This article was reported by Ivanhoe.com, which offers Medical Alerts by e-mail every day of the week. To subscribe, go to: http://www.ivanhoe.com/newsalert/.

SOURCE: Ivanhoe interview with Allen Wilcox, M.D., Ph.D.; British Medical Journal Online, published online Jan. 26, 2007