Folic acid is a synthetic form of folate, which is B9 (B9), a type of B vitamin that is necessary for the formation of healthy cells, especially red blood cells.
It is also used for many other conditions, including treating depression, stroke, and deteriorating memory and thinking skills.
Many natural foods are high in folate, such as leafy green vegetables, broccoli, okra, asparagus, beans, yeast, mushrooms, animal liver, kidneys, some fruits, orange juice, and tomato juice.
Since 1998, folic acid has been added to cereals, flour, bread, pasta, bakery items, biscuits and crackers.
Folic acid benefits
Memory improvement
Taking folic acid by mouth, with or without other supplements, might improve memory and thinking skills in older adults with low levels of memory.
depression treatment
Taking folic acid by mouth along with antidepressants improves symptoms in some people with depression.
High blood pressure treatment
Taking folic acid by mouth daily for at least 6 weeks reduces blood pressure in some people with high blood pressure who are not taking other blood pressure medications.
brain attack
Taking folic acid supplements can reduce the risk of stroke.
folic acid for pregnant women
Women of childbearing age, whether pregnant or planning to have children, should receive adequate amounts of folic acid, either through their diet or supplements, to prevent birth defects in their children.
A pregnant woman needs to consume a daily dose of 300-400 mcg of folic acid orally.
The maximum recommended amount of folic acid during pregnancy or breastfeeding is 800 mcg per day for those under 18 years old, and 1,000 mcg per day for those over 18 years old. Do not use more than this unless directed by your healthcare professional.
And a medical study published in 2017 said that taking folic acid at the beginning of pregnancy reduces the risk of a child developing autism.
folic acid before pregnancy
Why is it important to take folic acid before pregnancy? Folic acid helps in the formation of the neural tube in fetuses in the first weeks of their development in the womb, and because folic acid helps prevent some major birth defects in the baby’s brain and spine.
Women of childbearing age may need 400 micrograms of folic acid per day, as studies show that about half of all pregnancies in the United States are unplanned, and major birth defects may occur in a baby’s brain or spine very early in pregnancy (3-3) 4 weeks after conception), before most women even know they are pregnant.
When planning a pregnancy, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that women consume 400 micrograms of folic acid daily one month before conception and during the first three months of pregnancy.
Does folic acid contribute to conceiving twins?
There have been some limited studies suggesting that folic acid might increase the likelihood of having twins, but there are no large-scale studies that say this increases your chances of having twins.
Women pregnant with twins may need more folic acid to help ward off birth defects, a dose that should be supervised by a doctor.
Does folic acid help activate the ovaries?
Vitamins play important roles in women’s health, as they are necessary for many functions, including:
- menstruation and ovulation
- thyroid function
- increase immunity
- Egg quality and maturity
Certain nutrients may reduce symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a common underlying cause of infertility.
Folic acid and male fertility
Studies in men have shown that some supplements may increase sperm count and motility.
Folic acid levels measured in semen have been associated with sperm count and health. One study also revealed that low levels of folate in semen were associated with poorer sperm DNA stability.
Benefits of folic acid for hair
With age, the growth process can slow down for various reasons, including decreased metabolism, hormonal changes, and changes in the hair follicles responsible for the production and growth of new hair.
And because healthy hair depends so much on nutrition, nutrients can affect your hair growth as well.
When you take folic acid regularly as recommended, it can promote the health of hair in general, as it is an important nutrient for this, and is primarily responsible for healthy cell growth.
These cells include those within the tissues of your skin as well as in your hair and nails, but the reliance on folic acid alone for hair growth is highly scientifically unconfirmed.
If you are not deficient in folic acid, there is no need to take a folic acid supplement for healthy hair, meaning that more than 400 micrograms per day will not make your hair grow faster.
A study published in early 2017, included 52 adults with premature graying. The researchers found that these people were deficient in folic acid and vitamins B-7 and B-12.
However, more controlled studies are needed to determine if folic acid alone can help with hair growth.
Folic acid and skin
Folic acid fights premature skin aging, as it helps facilitate the growth of healthy skin cells and fight aging, especially wrinkles and fine lines. It has also been found to increase collagen production to give you firmer, more even skin.
Symptoms of folic acid deficiency
Symptoms of folate deficiency are not common or obvious alone, but may appear simultaneously with a deficiency of a number of nutrients necessary for the body, which may appear in the form of the following signs:
- Constant feeling of tiredness and fatigue.
- Immunodeficiency and constant exposure to diseases.
- Digestion problems, constipation and bloating.
- swollen gums;
Disadvantages of an overdose of folic acid
Your daily supplement should contain no more than 1,000 micrograms of folic acid, unless your doctor prescribes these doses.
Taking large doses of folic acid may cover up a vitamin B12 deficiency, which can cause irreversible damage if not detected early.
