Definition
Folic acid is a type of B vitamin. It is water-soluble, which means it cannot be stored in the body. Water-soluble vitamins dissolve in water. Leftover amounts of the vitamin leave the body through the urine. That means you need a continuous supply of the vitamin in your diet.
Alternative Names
Vitamin B9; Folate; Diet - folic acid; Pteroylglutamic acidFolate is a B vitamin necessary for formation of red blood cells. It may help to lower high blood pressure in some people, possibly by reducing elevated homocysteine levels.
High Blood Pressure
One small study of 24 cigarette smokers found that four weeks of folic acid supplementation significantly lowered blood pressure.
