What factors affect the absorption of folic acid?
There are several factors that affect the absorption of folic acid, including the form of supplementation that a person chooses, although the differences in the absorption rate may be mild. Also, cooking foods that contain folate, a form of folic acid naturally found in food, can destroy part of the nutrient and affect the amount that the body absorbs. Strong drinking, medicines to control oral birth rate and poor diet can also have adverse effects. On the other hand, vitamins C and B12 can increase the speed at which the nutrient is absorbed.
One of the factors that affect the absorption of folic acid is the way it is used. Absorption may exist slight changes in absorption based on whether the folic acid supplements are considered to be gel capsules, powders, tablets or other form. However, the rate of absorption from food sources can be changed on the basis of the method of preparation, as the exposure of heat from cooking can destroy this nutrient. Likewise, exposure to air can be reduced, the amount that bodiesAbout man absorbs.
Alcohol intake may also affect the absorption of folic acid. When a person consumes alcoholic beverages excessively, this may result in reduced folic acid absorption. It can also affect how much vitamin is excluded from his body. Alcoholic beverages are unlikely to adversely affect the absorption in a person who occasionally or in a degree of drinking. Instead, this effect is usually a problem for people who regularly drink heavily.
Health experts often recommend taking folic acid with other vitamins to maximize absorption. For example, vitamin C and B12 help increase the absorption of this nutrient of the body. However, this does not mean that one has to take another supplement to strengthen the absorption. Instead, the individual can obtain vitamin C and B12 from the source of food. For example, many people take folic acid along with a fortified orange juice to ensure that the body canabsorb and use more.
Some types of contraceptives may also affect the absorption of folic acid. This problem is usually caused by oral contraceptives that many women take. Because folic acid is important for overall health, the woman concerned can consult a doctor about receiving supplements to act against the effects of contraceptive pills.
Poor diet can also affect the absorption of folic acid. For example, if one does not get enough other vitamins B, it can disrupt its absorption of folate from food. In addition, insufficient protein intake may have an adverse effect on the body's ability to absorb and use folate.