Folic acid, extracted from spinach, is one of the family members of vitamin B complex. It is the essential substance for the human body to utilize sugar and amino acid and maintain normal growth and reproduction of body cells. It is also effective in creating nucleic acid and accelerating the metabolism of protein. At the same time, folic acid can work together with vitamin B12 to accelerate the development of red cells in the human body. 

If we do not supplement adequate folic acid in time, various problems in our bodies can be caused, such as the abnormal growth of red blood cells, the reproduction of immature cells, anemia and the decline of white blood cells. If pregnant women do not supplement folic acid in time, the normal growth of fetuses can be seriously caused. The deficiency of folic acid can cause the developmental delay of nerviduct of fetuses. In the early stage of pregnancy, the organ system of fetuses should be separated and placenta should be formed. Both the separation of organ system and the formation of placenta need the nutrient. In addition, the natural abortion can also be caused. Apart from fetuses, the female breasts and placenta also need a lot of folic acid to support normal development. Therefore, if a woman wants to get pregnant, she should supplement 400 milligrams of the nutrient every day.

In recent years, the experts have already found out the new effects of folic acid. First, the nutrient can induce the death of cancerous cells and affect the gene expression. Therefore, folic acid is a natural anti-cancer vitamin. Second, the nutrient can accelerate the healthy growth of nerve cells and brain cells. Folic acid has been approved as a kind of healthy food additive to be added into the infant food. Third, the nutrient can also be used to treat dementia praecox, chronic atrophic gastritis, arteriosclerosis and miocardial infarction.

Folic acid is abundantly contained in natural animal food and vegetarian food. The fresh vegetables and folic acid containing abundant vitamin C contain folic acid. Therefore, there is no need for us to supplement the nutrient painstakingly if we often eat vegetables and fruits in our daily life. In addition, we should not exaggerate the advantages of folic acid and ignore the benefits of other nutrients. We should adhere to a balanced diet so as to supplement balanced nutrients in a scientific way.