Vitamin B9, also known as folic acid, is a nutrient that plays an important role in the human body. However, do you know the detailed history of vitamin B9? This article will take you through time to explore the discovery, development and application of vitamin B9.
1. The discovery of vitamin B9.
The discovery of vitamin B9 dates back to the early 20th century. At that time, scientists noticed that many poor pregnant women would develop anemia and poor fetal growth. Researchers began to look for possible causes, including a scientist named Funk. He was the first to isolate a biologically active factor from spinach leaves in 1931, which is what we call folic acid today.
2. Research on the nomenclature and characteristics of vitamin B9.
After the discovery of folic acid, scientists began to study its properties intensively. In 1941, McCollum and Shapiro first named the substance "folic acid" because it was originally extracted from plant leaves. Folic acid is a water-soluble vitamin that is stable to heat, light, and acids, but is easily destroyed under alkaline and ultraviolet conditions.
3. The important role and application of vitamin B9.
Folic acid plays an important role in the human body. It is an essential element of DNA and RNA biosynthesis and helps in cell ** and proliferation. In addition, folic acid can also reduce homocysteine levels in the blood and prevent heart disease. What's more, folic acid is especially important for pregnant women because it helps prevent fetal neural tube defects.
As the understanding of the properties and functions of folic acid has deepened, people have begun to use it in nutritional supplements and in medicines for certain diseases. Today, folic acid is an important ingredient in many multivitamin preparations.
Fourth, the historical milestone of vitamin B9.
1931: Funk isolated folic acid from spinach leaves.
1941: McCollum and Shapiro first named the substance "folic acid".
1945: Scientists discovered that folic acid plays an important role in the prevention of fetal neural tube defects.
1980s: As the use of folic acid in nutritional supplements became more widespread, many countries began fortifying folic acid in flour and other foods.
2000s: Folic acid shows potential for the prevention of cardiovascular disease and cancer in clinical trials.
2020: The World Health Organization is calling on countries to include folic acid in essential nutritional supplements to reduce the incidence of neural tube defects worldwide.
5. Summary. The discovery and development of vitamin B9 shows the efforts and wisdom of scientists, as well as the pursuit of health and quality of life. By understanding the history of vitamin B9, we can better understand its importance and recognize the critical role that science plays in improving our health and lives. Let's look forward to more research and discoveries about vitamin B9 to bring more well-being to our health and life! What does B vitamins do?