It's the first time food has been fortified with a new B vitamin since 1943, when niacin, riboflavin and thiamin were added to flour. Getting your folate To get 0.40 milligrams of folic acid, you need to eat five or six servings of bread, grains or naturally folate-rich foods every day. And we all need folic acid, which plays a role in producing red blood cells, repairing cells and breaking down protein. A lack of folic acid can cause anemia, fatigue, weight loss, a shortage of the white blood cells that fight infection and a decrease in mental functions. The elderly are especially prone to a deficiency due to limited diets.
Recent studies indicate other folic acid benefits.
A Canadian study published last year found people with low folic acid levels had a higher chance of dying from heart disease. And other studies have shown that folic acid breaks down the amino acid homocysteine. Patients with thickening of the arteries have high levels of homocysteine. Researchers warn there is still no proof that folic acid will cut heart-disease risk. With a normal diet, you can expect your folic acid intake to rise at least 35 percent under FDA rules taking effect Jan. 1.