Frederic Melton
Cheddar cheese is a dairy product, and dairy products are an often-underestimated source of folates in the human diet. Folate, also known as vitamin B9, is naturally found in many foods and added to others. It is also sold as a supplement in the form of folic acid. Folate has many important roles in the body, including DNA synthesis, cell growth, and protein metabolism. It is also critical during periods of rapid growth, such as pregnancy and fetal development, and can help prevent neural tube defects. So, is cheddar cheese a good source of folate?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Does cheddar cheese contain folate? | Yes |
| How much folate is in cheddar cheese? | 20-40g of total folates/100g |
| Why is folate important? | Folates are important for their protective role against childbirth defects, coronary heart disease and certain forms of cancer. |
| What are some foods with a high folate content? | Soft ripened cheeses like Brie and Camembert, which contain 50-100g total folate/100g. |
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What You'll Learn
Cheddar contains 20-40g of folates/100g
Cheddar cheese is a good source of folates, containing 20-40g of folates per 100g. This is comparable to other hard cheeses like Edam, Gouda, and Emmental, which also contain 20-40g of folates per 100g.
Folates have gained prominence in recent years due to their ability to prevent birth defects, particularly neural tube defects. They are also believed to play a protective role against certain forms of cancer and coronary heart disease. As a result, many countries have increased their recommended intakes of folates.
For women of childbearing age, it is recommended to consume 400 micrograms of synthetic folic acid per day to prevent birth defects. However, it is important to note that folate deficiency can also have adverse health effects. For example, it can increase the risk of metabolic syndrome, some coronary heart diseases, and certain types of cancer.
By including cheddar cheese in their diet, individuals can benefit from the high folate content, which can contribute to overall health and well-being.
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Folates are B vitamins
Cheddar cheese does contain folate, a B vitamin. Most hard cheeses, including cheddar, contain 20 to 40g of total folates/100g.
Folate, or vitamin B9, is one of eight essential B vitamins. These vitamins help the body convert food into energy and play a role in healthy liver, skin, hair, and eye function. They also support the nervous system. Folic acid is the synthetic form of B9 and is found in supplements and fortified foods, while folate occurs naturally in foods. All B vitamins are water-soluble, meaning they are not stored in the body, so it is important to consume them regularly.
Folate is well-known for its role in pregnancy, as it helps prevent neural tube defects such as spina bifida. Women who are pregnant or trying to conceive are advised to take a daily folic acid supplement of 400 micrograms until they are 12 weeks pregnant. This is important for the development of the baby's brain and other tissues, as folic acid aids in the production of DNA and RNA, the body's genetic material.
In addition to its role in pregnancy, folate may also offer protection against certain forms of cancer, coronary heart disease, and age-related hearing loss. Studies suggest that adequate intake of folate may reduce the risk of breast cancer, especially for women who consume alcohol. Folate also helps lower homocysteine levels, which are linked to an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.
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Folates protect against birth defects
Cheddar cheese does contain folates, which are a type of B vitamin. Most hard cheeses, including cheddar, have been reported to contain 20 to 40g of total folates/100g.
Folates are essential for health, growth, and reproduction. They have been found to play a protective role against birth defects, specifically neural tube defects (NTDs) such as spina bifida and anencephaly. NTDs occur when the spinal cord fails to close properly, resulting in serious conditions like paralyzed legs, bladder and bowel control problems, and death. Folic acid, the synthetic form of folate, can reduce the risk of these birth defects by more than 70%.
Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant are advised to consume at least 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid daily. This can be achieved through vitamin supplements, fortified foods like breakfast cereals, and a diet rich in natural folates, including green vegetables, orange juice, and dairy products like cheddar cheese.
In addition to its role in preventing birth defects, folic acid may also offer protection against heart disease, certain cancers, and strokes. Overall, folic acid is an important nutrient for all women of childbearing age to include in their diets.
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Folate-rich foods include soft cheeses
Folic acid, also known as folate, is an essential vitamin that has been linked to a reduced risk of several health conditions. For instance, folates have been known to play a protective role against certain forms of cancer and coronary heart disease. In addition, folic acid is especially important for women of childbearing age as it helps prevent birth defects.
Most hard cheeses, such as Cheddar, Edam, Gouda, and Emmental, typically contain slightly lower levels of folates compared to soft cheeses. These hard cheeses are reported to have 20 to 40 grams of folates per 100 grams. While these amounts are lower than those found in ripened soft cheeses, they still contribute a significant amount of folate to one's diet.
Other dairy products that are good sources of folate include whey cream spread and whey cheese. According to microbiological assay analyses, whey cream spread contains 12 grams of folate per 100 grams, while whey cheese contains 5 grams per 100 grams. However, it is important to note that the folate content in dairy products can vary due to factors such as production methods and the presence of microorganisms.
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Folate content varies across dairy products
Dairy products contain varying amounts of folate, an essential vitamin that has been linked to reducing the risk of several diseases and birth defects. The amount of folate in 100g of a dairy product can vary from 5g to over 50g. For example, soft cheeses like cottage cheese contain between 12g and 27g of folate per 100g, while ripened soft cheeses like Brie and Camembert contain significantly more, with up to 100g of folate per 100g. This difference is likely due to the synthesis of folates by microorganisms during the ripening process. Most hard cheeses, including Cheddar, contain 20 to 40g of folate per 100g.
Whey cream spread and whey cheese are also good sources of folate, containing 12g and 5g per 100g, respectively. In contrast, milk and plain yogurt have very low levels of folate, with UHT milk's heat treatment process potentially contributing to its low levels.
Folate has gained attention in recent years due to its potential health benefits. It is known to play a protective role against birth defects, such as neural tube defects, and may also reduce the risk of coronary heart disease and certain forms of cancer. As a result, many countries have increased their recommended intake of folate.
It is important to note that the amount of folate in dairy products can vary significantly, and these variations may be due to differences in food samples and methodologies used in analyses. Therefore, it is always a good idea to consult reliable sources and nutritional charts for specific folate content in different dairy products. Additionally, those at risk of folate deficiency, such as women of childbearing age, may need to consider folic acid supplementation to meet the recommended daily intake of 400 micrograms.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, cheddar cheese does contain folate. Most hard cheeses, including cheddar, contain 20 to 40g of total folates/100g.
Folates are essential for health, growth, and reproduction. They also play a protective role against certain forms of cancer and heart disease. For women of childbearing age, folic acid is particularly important as it helps prevent birth defects.
Other dairy products that contain folate include soft cheeses like cottage cheese, Brie, and Camembert, as well as whey cream spread and whey cheese.
