The Folate Story: A vitamin under the microscope

Name: The Folate Story: A vitamin under the microscope
Price: 24.99 USD
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4.6 of 5 Stars: History - The Folate Story: A vitamin under the microscope

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Book Synopsis: The story of folate (vitamin B9) is one of outstanding achievements which have advanced major areas of medical practice and also of scandals of international significance.

Folate was the only one of the 13 vitamins to have been discovered by a woman, Lucy Wills. She showed in 1931 that the yeast extract Marmite could cure the anaemia of pregnant women in Bombay. The vitamin, first isolated from spinach, was subsequently shown not only to correct anemia but also to prevent the birth of babies with the severe defect spina bifida. The first effective anti-bacterial drugs and anti-cancer drugs were anti-folates.

The scandals in the story of folate include the opposition, mainly by men, to women becoming doctors, the lack of any public recognition of Lucy Wills's achievements, the vicious treatment the British Government gave to Waldemar Haffkine who had made for them the world's first two anti-bacterial vaccines and saved millions of lives, and the incorrect use of folic acid to treat pernicious anaemia leading to irreversible paralysis.

The most significant scandal, the failure of worldwide fortification of the diet with folic acid. This catastrophe allows thousands of babies to be born each year with the major birth defect spina bifida ,which could be prevented by this cheap, safe public health measure, already mandated for in over 80 countries, in North America since 1998.

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Discover the remarkable and captivating story of folate (vitamin B9) in our latest book, "The Folate Story: A Vitamin Under the Microscope". Dive into a groundbreaking journey that chronicles the astonishing advancements and shocking scandals surrounding this crucial vitamin. Unravel the legacy of Lucy Wills, the brilliant woman who revolutionized medical practices by demonstrating the power of folate in curing anemia among pregnant women. Witness how folate, originally derived from spinach, not only corrected anemia but also prevented the birth of babies with the dreaded defect, spina bifida.

Immerse yourself in a tale of triumph and tribulations as we uncover the opposition faced by women pursuing careers in medicine and the unjust lack of recognition for Lucy Wills' monumental achievements. Unveil the dark episodes involving the mistreatment of Waldemar Haffkine, the pioneering scientist behind the world's first two anti-bacterial vaccines. Learn about the devastating consequences of folic acid misuse in treating pernicious anemia, leading to irreversible paralysis.

However, the most shocking scandal of all lies in the global failure to fortify our diets with folic acid. Thousands of babies are needlessly born each year with the life-altering birth defect, spina bifida, which could be easily prevented through this affordable and safe public health initiative. It's an urgent catastrophe that demands our attention and action. Join us in advocating for the worldwide adoption of folic acid fortification, a measure already mandated in over 80 countries since 1998, including North America.

Don't miss the opportunity to delve into the fascinating pages of "The Folate Story: A Vitamin Under the Microscope" and be inspired by the incredible journey of folate. Learn from history to shape a better future. Get your copy now.

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