Uses Of Folic Acid: Definition, Properties and Characteristics

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Uses of Folic Acid majorly include health-based applications. It is a synthetic form of folate, also known as vitamin B-9. When infants are born, their brains are protected with the help of vitamin B9 and other components. 

Key Terms: Vitamins, Deficiency, Infant, Pregnancy, Health Vitamin B, Folate, Vitamin B9, Growth, Acid


What Is Folic Acid?

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Folic acid is a form of Vitamin B9. It is a naturally occurring Vitamin B. Folic acid is an essential water-soluble vitamin that comprises Vitamin B. The primary function of folic acid is to maintain the healthy growth of cells.

Folic Acid

Folic Acid


Uses Of Folic Acid

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The usage of folic acid is as follows:

  • Folic Acid For Hair: has a vital role in the growth of hair and also helps in the process of blood circulation on the scalp. The deficiency of folic acid causes premature greying of hair.
  • Folic Acid For Skin: the application of folic acid to skin moisturizes and maintains natural beauty, treats acne, and removes dead cells. It also works as an antioxidant and anti-aging.
  • Folic Acid In Pregnancy: it enhances the fetus and prevents defects in birth. Intake of folic acid protects the child from miscarriage, underweight birth, neural tube defect, premature child and etc. 
  • Folic Acid In Men: it helps males in the process of conception by stabilizing the sperm count.
  • Folic Acid For All: beneficial in digestion and heart and curing memory loss and depression. And prevents diabetes, and cancer and cures gum infection.

Also Check:

Concept Related To Folic Acid
Vitamins Vitamin B Food Variety

Properties Of Folic Acid

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The properties of folic acid are specified below:

  • The chemical formula of folic acid is C19H19N7O6
  • The molecular weight of folic acid is 441.404 g/mol
  • Density of folic acid is 1.6 +/- 0.1 g/cm3
  • IUPAC name of folic acid (2S)-2-[(4-{[(2-amino-4-hydroxypteridin-6-yl)methyl]amino}phenyl)formamido]pentanedioic acid
  • Folic acid is soluble in water

Also Check: Difference between fat-soluble and water


Natural Sources Of Folic Acid

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The natural sources of folic acid are as specified: 

  • Broccoli
  • Brussels Sprouts
  • Cookies
  • Leafy Green Vegetables
  • Chickpeas 
  • White Pasta
  • Kidney Beans
  • White Rice
  • Liver (avoid during pregnancy)
  • Cereals Fortified With Folic Acid
  • Asparagus
  • Protein Bars

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Things To Remember 

  • Folic acid is majorly linked to and used to improve health. 
  • The primary function of folic acid is to maintain the healthy growth of cells.
  • the application of folic acid to the skin moisturizes and maintains natural beauty, treats acne, and removes dead cells.
  • Intake of folic acid protects the child from miscarriage.
  • Folic acid is soluble in water

Important PYQs Based On Folic Acid


Sample Questions

Ques. What is folic acid? (2 Marks)

Ans. Folic acid is a form of Vitamin B9. It is a naturally occurring Vitamin B. Folic acid is an essential water-soluble vitamin that comprises Vitamin B. The primary function of folic acid is to maintain the healthy growth of cells.

Ques. List out the food items rich in folic acid. (5 Marks)

Ans. Food items rich in folic acid are:-

  • Bread
  • White Rice
  • Protein bars
  • Breakfast cereals
  • Energy drinks
  • White pasta
  • Leafy Green Vegetables
  • Chickpeas 
  • Kidney Beans
  • Cookies

Ques. What are the properties of folic acid? (4 Marks)

Ans. The properties of folic acid are specified below:

  • The chemical formula of folic acid is C19H19N7O6
  • The molecular weight of folic acid is 441.404 g/mol
  • Density of folic acid is 1.6 +/- 0.1 g/cm3
  • IUPAC name of folic acid (2S)-2-[(4-{[(2-amino-4-hydroxypteridin-6-yl)methyl]amino}phenyl)formamido]pentanedioic acid
  • Folic acid is soluble in water

Ques. What is the procedure for intake of folic acid? (5 Marks)

Ans. The dosage of folic acid is as specified:

  • Edamame (155 grams)
  • Okra (184 grams)
  • Lentils (198 grams)
  • Broccoli (156 grams)
  • Asparagus (180 grams)
  • Artichokes (168 grams)
  • Beans (171 grams)
  • Collard greens (190 grams)
  • Spinach (180 grams)
  • Turnip greens (144 grams)

Ques. How does folic acid benefit all in general? (2 Marks)

Ans. Folic acid is beneficial in digestion and the heart and cures memory loss and depression. And prevents diabetes, and cancer and cures gum infection.

Ques. State a few natural sources of folic acid. (5 Marks)

Ans. The natural sources of folic acid are: 

Broccoli

Brussels Sprouts

Cookies

Leafy Green Vegetables

Chickpeas 

White Pasta

Kidney Beans

White Rice

Cereals Fortified With Folic Acid

Asparagus

Ques. What are the uses of folic acid? (5 Marks)

Ans. The usage of folic acid is as follows:

  • Folic Acid For Hair: has a vital role in the growth of hair and also helps in the process of blood circulation on the scalp. The deficiency of folic acid causes premature greying of hair.
  • Folic Acid For Skin: the application of folic acid to skin moisturizes and maintains natural beauty, treats acne, and removes dead cells. It also works as an antioxidant and anti-aging.
  • Folic Acid In Pregnancy: it enhances the fetus and prevents defects in birth. Intake of folic acid protects the child from miscarriage, underweight birth, neural tube defect, premature child and etc. 
  • Folic Acid In Men: it helps males in the process of conception by stabilizing the sperm count.
  • Folic Acid For All: beneficial in digestion and heart and curing memory loss and depression. And prevents diabetes, and cancer and cures gum infection.

Ques. what can be the causes of deficiency of folic acid? (5 Marks)

Ans. Causes of deficiency of folic acid are: 

  • Lack of fresh fruits, vegetables, and fortified cereals.
  • Diseases such as Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, types of cancers, and dialysis.
  • Genetics.
  • Side effects of various medications.
  • Excessive consumption of alcohol

Ques. Why are pregnant women are advised to intake folic acid? (3 Marks)

Ans. Pregnant women are advised to intake folic acid because it enhances the fetus and prevents defects at birth. Intake of folic acid protects the child from miscarriage, underweight birth, neural tube defect, premature child and etc. 

Ques. How does folic acid benefits male? (2 Marks)

Ans. In males, folic acid helps males in the process of conception by stabilizing the sperm count.

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