PureBulk

Supplement Facts Volumetrics Certificate of Analysis

Important Note: Purebulk sells both Folic Acid 99% and Folic Acid 1%. Undiluted Folic Acid 99% is far too potent for general public use. This Folic Acid 1% is a blended product at a manageable concentration for the general public.

What is Folic Acid 1% (Vitamin B9)?

This PureBulk product is a blend containing 1% folic acid and 99% mannitol, a sugar alcohol.

Folic acid is also known as vitamin B9, folate, folacin or pteroylglutamic acid and is a naturally occurring water-soluble B vitamin. Recent research into the health benefits of the nutrient has drawn wide interest.

Folic acid is best known for its part in healthy fetal development. The Food and Drug Administration has found that healthful diets with adequate folate may reduce a woman's risk of having a child born with a brain or spinal cord defect.

Folic acid helps prevent neural tube defects like spina bifida when taken by the mother before and during pregnancy. In the United States, about 3,000 pregnancies are affected by neural tube defects each year.

There are two different types of folic acid. This synthetic form is added to multivitamins, fortified bread, grain products like breakfast cereals and folic acid prescriptions. The natural form, called folate, is found in leafy green vegetables and some fruits and juices like orange juice. The body absorbs the synthetic form more easily than the natural form.

It is needed for healthy nervous, digestive and immune systems, energy production, formation of red blood cells, DNA and RNA synthesis and proper cell division. No cell division can take place without folic acid.

Folic acid is necessary for the growth of new cells in the body, particularly during periods of rapid cell growth and division. Folate is also needed in replicating DNA and in maintaining normal levels of red blood cells in bone marrow.

Folic acid allows S-adenosyl methionine, or SAMe, to be converted to glutathione, a major detoxificating agent present in the liver.

The FDA requires folic acid fortification of all breads, flours, corn meal, rice, noodles, pasta, and other grain products. Folic acid works in combination with vitamin B12 and vitamin C to help in the breakdown, use and creation of new proteins in the body.

Benefits of Folic Acid (Vitamin B9)

Folic acid is an essential vitamin needed for cell growth and division, DNA replication and protein synthesis in all cells. Folic acid deficiency can lead to health problems.

The health benefits of folic acid stems from its physiological importance in the body. Taking folic acid during pregnancy (and even before) is very important. Eating foods rich in folic acid is highly encouraged. Doctors also usually prescribe intake of folic acid supplements.

Purity and Concentration of Folic Acid 1%(Vitamin B9)

Purebulk's 1% Folic Acid is pure folic acid diluted with 99% mannitol (a sugar alcohol).

Potential Side Effects of Folic Acid (Vitamin B9)

Side effects of folic acid are not common. Some have reported experiencing mild side effects - which usually occur with relatively large servings of folic acid supplements - including nausea, insomnia, decreased appetite, flatulence, abdominal distension, difficulty concentrating and a bitter taste on the tongue. Epileptics should not take larger than suggested amounts. Taking too much folic acid can mask B-12 deficiency. Seek a doctor's advice and follow the recommended serving size at all times.

Special Cautions: Oral contraceptives interfere with the absorption of folic acid. Folic acid supplementation should include other B-complex vitamins. Alcohol and certain medications can also impact absorption of folic acid. Those with hormone-related cancer or a seizure disorder should not use high prolonged amounts of folic acid.

Note: Always consult with a physician before taking dietary supplements, especially pregnant or nursing women, those taking prescription medications and those suffering from a health condition

Suggested Use of Folic Acid (Vitamin B9)

As a dietary supplement, take 40 mg (1/64 tsp) to 80 mg (1/32 tsp) daily, or as directed by physician.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends a Daily Value (DV) of 400 MICROGRAMS a day (0.4 milligrams/day) for adults and children four or more years of age. A daily intake of 800 micrograms (mcg) is recommended for pregnant women and those who are planning pregnancy. A serving size of 1 milligram is the same as 1000 micrograms, and provides 250% of the FDA daily value for adults, or 125% of the FDA daily value for pregnant women.

Keep in mind as well that excess folic acid can inhibit vitamin B12 absorption and can also mask its deficiency, so it would be a good idea to take vitamin B12 supplements in conjunction with folic acid.

Bioavailability, Mixing and Solubility of Folic Acid (Vitamin B9)

This blended product dissolves easily in water. It is also soluble in alkali, hydroxides and carbonates. It cannot be dissolved in alcohol, acetone, chloroform or ether. The vitamin is easily and quickly absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract. Folic acid in the blood reaches peak levels about an hour after eating. It does not remain in the body for a long time. It has to be replenished on a daily basis and it is hard to get folate from diet alone. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend no more than 1,000 micrograms of folic acid per day.

How should I store it?

You will receive a resealable bag of this powder. Store in a cool, dry area protected from light. Reseal after each use.

References & Further Research

Linus Pauling Institute: Folic Acid

University of Maryland Medical Center: Folic Acid

NOTE: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

The information at Purebulk.com is NOT a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not use any dietary supplement as a replacement for conventional care, or as a reason to postpone seeing a doctor about a medical problem. Tell all your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates herbal and other dietary supplements differently than conventional medicines. The standards for supplements are found in the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA), a federal law that defines dietary supplements and sets product-label­ing standards and health claim limits. To learn more about DSHEA, visit the FDA Web site.