Millets National Media Portal
Millets National Media Portal
Proso millet (Panicum miliaceum) stands out as one of the richest millet sources of folic acid (Vitamin B9), alongside niacin and other B-complex vitamins. According to ICRISAT nutritional databases and PMC-indexed research, proso millet contains a notably high vitamin B-complex profile, including both folic acid and niacin.
Importance of folic acid and which millets provide it:
Proso millet: Highest folic acid content among common millets; also rich in iron, calcium, potassium, zinc, and magnesium.
Finger millet: Contains folate (Vitamin B9) essential for red blood cell production, brain health, and cell division.
Pearl millet: A good source of folic acid, making it particularly important for pregnant women supporting fetal neural tube development.
Neural tube prevention: Adequate folate intake during the first trimester of pregnancy significantly reduces the risk of neural tube defects (NTDs) such as spina bifida (WHO, 2023).
Red blood cell formation: Folate is essential for the synthesis of DNA and RNA, supporting the rapid cell turnover required in blood production.
Cognitive health: Folate deficiency is associated with cognitive decline and depression; millet consumption may contribute to mental health maintenance.
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