Yesterday the Go Folic! Team attended a great training by Laura Brainin-Rodriguez. Laura, who consults with Go Folic!, has a Master in Public Health and Science, and is a Registered Dietitian. Laura gave us a refresher on the latest science behind folic acid and why it is important for our health. She also shared some useful tips…
The Vitamin B Complex is complex
Nutrition is a very complicated science. Many factors affect how well our bodies absorb nutrients. This means it is important to look at the big picture. Folic acid for instance, is best absorbed when taken with other B vitamins. That is why we give out free multivitamins to San Francisco women instead of folic acid supplements. Some things can block the absorption of folic acid, like caffeine and alcohol. Be aware that if you take your vitamin in the morning with a cup of coffee you may be getting less than the full amount of folic acid. For more tips on the best way to take your multivitamin, read Barbara’s post here.
If your doctor has told you to take folic acid for a health problem…
Be sure to follow -up. Your doctor might recommend taking folic acid if you have a health concern like anemia or folic acid deficiency. If you are diagnosed with these conditions and start to take folic acid, remember to ask your doctor to check for improvements at your next visit. There is no “magic vitamin” to cure all problems. You may need to try more than one solution to find what works best for your body. Make sure to take an active role in your health by following up with your health professional. Click here for some tips on how to talk to your doctor.
If you don’t have a health problem, we still recommend taking at least 400mcg of folic acid a day for healthier hair, skin, and nails. Click here for more information.
Nothing is better than a good diet
Even if you take all the vitamin supplements in the world, there is no substitute for a healthy balanced diet. Fruits and vegetables are naturally packed with vitamins that improve your body, energy level, and appearance. Eating right can also help you shrink your waistline and fatten your wallet at the same time. Click here for some easy tips on how to get more fruits and veggies in your diet and here for some money-saving tips.
Laura’s knowledge is a great resource to the Go Folic! Women’s Nutrition Project, and we are lucky to have her expertise nearby. We are also happy to announce that she has agreed to write some guest articles for the Go Folic! blog!
So…what else should you know? Comment below and tell us what topics YOU would like to know more about!
How is folate and B12 deficiency lead to macrocytic anemia?
What are the signs and symptoms of folate toxicity?
I’d love to know more about how folic acid is actually manufactured!