Campaign Raises Awareness Of The Importance Of Folic Acid For Dental Health
A campaign to raise awareness of the importance of folic acid is underway; National Folic Acid Awareness Week will run from the 6th-12th January to educate people about the importance of folic acid for good health.
Folic acid, a synthetic version of vitamin B9, is an essential nutrient, which has numerous roles in the body, including cell function and repair, development and the prevention of illnesses and disease. Folic acid cannot be stored in the body for long periods of time because it is water-soluble and this means that people must take in folic acid on a regular basis.
Folic acid is most commonly associated with pregnant women because it helps to reduce the risk of birth defects, including spina bifida, but it is also important for good oral health.
Researchers have identified a link between women who have folic acid deficiency and the prevalence of cleft lip and palate; women who are deficient in folic acid are more likely to give birth to a child with a cleft lip or palate.
Folic acid has also been proven to be effective in the fight against gum disease, one of the most common oral conditions; folic acid helps to repair damage caused by gum disease and is particularly beneficial when working with vitamin C.
Good sources of folic acid, also known as folate, include spinach, asparagus, peas, broccoli, beans, peanuts, lentils and fortified cereals.
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