With all the options for herbal and dietary supplements out there, how can you know what is actually good for your health? While there are a lot of them that won’t really do much of anything, some can actually harm you, rather than help you. Did you know that federal regulations for supplements do not require that a manufacturer show the product’s safety or effectiveness before it is sold? No matter what you are considering adding to your regular diet, consult a physician before you start. Here are some of the more effective supplements and how they can help you.
Folic Acid (or Vitamin B9): In humans, folic acid is essential for many metabolic processes. It helps with the synthesis of nucleic acids and the formation of the iron-carrying component in red blood cells. Too little folic acid can prevent the proper maturation of red blood cells, resulting in anemia. In pregnant women, folic acid is essential for the formation of the brain and spinal cord in fetuses. Taking folic acid early in the pregnancy can reduce the instance of premature birth and deformities. The recommended amount of folic acid in pregnant women is about 400 micrograms. Folic acid is non-toxic, but women should not take more than 1,000 micrograms of it a day, as it may hide the ability to diagnose a vitamin B-12 deficiency.
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