What are the Benefits of Taking Folic Acid?

Do you know that the recommended daily intake of folate for adults is 400 mcg from either dietary supplements or food, and pregnant women need around 600 mcg? 

The synthetic version of the vitamin folate, also known as vitamin B9, is called folic acid. The supplement is mainly used to prevent low blood levels of folate and high blood levels of homocysteine.

This article will help you learn more about folic acid, individuals who should prioritize taking folic acid regularly, and its benefits for both men and women.

What is Folic Acid?

It is the most biologically active form of folate. Folic acid (folacin) is active in the body as tetrahydrofolic acid. The manufactured folic acid is converted into folate by the human body. It is found in supplements and added to fortified foods. Folic acid is important for nervous system metabolism in all age groups. This water-soluble vitamin is present in foods such as leafy vegetables and fruits.

Who needs to take Folic Acid?

Folic acid is used to treat folate deficiency. According to the National Health Service UK, folate deficiency is common in older age groups, affecting around 1 in 10 people aged 75 or over. The use of folic acid is mainly seen among women who are pregnant or might become pregnant to prevent serious birth defects. 

Evidence suggests that folate deficiency has a relation with depressive symptoms. Folic acid is also used to treat individuals with conditions like decline in memory and thinking skills, stroke, high blood pressure, and much more.

• Pregnant women are prescribed folic acid supplements to prevent brain and neural tube defects. Consumption of at least 600-800 mcg of folic acid daily reduces the risk of such birth defects.
• Folate deficiency, which is most common in older age groups, when treated with folic acid, can contribute to improving their memory and thinking skills.
• Folic acid, if taken along with antidepressants improves the condition of people with depression. According to recent research, the use of folic acid may delay or prevent the onset of depression among people with elevated depressive symptoms.

However, the intake of more than 1 mg of folic acid daily can be unsafe. Higher doses can lead to nausea, diarrhea, upset stomach, irritability, skin reactions, and other side effects. It is recommended to consult your physician before starting the regular intake of folic acid.

Folic acid Benefits for Pregnant Women 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all people capable of getting pregnant should take 400 mcg of folic acid daily. There’s usually a chance of developing birth defects during the first 28 days of pregnancy. This is the main reason why women who are planning to conceive or are pregnant should take folic acid daily.

Benefits of taking folic acid include the formation of red blood cells and assistance in the development of your baby’s neural tube. Which later becomes the brain and spinal cord. It also helps prevent the possibility of congenital abnormalities in babies and prevents low birth weight problems. For mothers, it prevents the risk of preeclampsia and plays a vital role in the production, repair, and smooth functioning of DNA.

If a pregnant woman has folate deficiency, the baby can be born with conditions like Spina bifida and Anencephaly. Babies with Spina bifida may be permanently disabled while those with Anencephaly usually don’t live long enough. Furthermore, folic acid deficiency in pregnant women can lead to preterm birth of their baby.

The Benefits of Folic Acid for Women and Men

Folic Acid Benefits for Women

The synthetic form of folate, folic acid should be taken by every woman whether she is planning to conceive or not. Folic acid benefits for women cannot be emphasized enough. Getting an adequate amount of folic acid can help postmenopausal women cancer, type 2 diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis. Women with folic acid deficiency are often at risk of being anemic and have low bone density, depression, and even allergic reactions.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the intake of 400 mcg of folic acid each day, even if a woman is not planning to get pregnant.

Folic Acid Benefits for Men

Although men usually don’t have high folate deficiency, it is still essential for men to take folic acid. The recommended intake of folic acid for men is also 400 mcg. However, they should consider the option of having folate-rich foods such as legumes, meat, and eggs. Maintaining normal sperm development, mental health, and heart health are the main folic acid benefits for men. 

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Conclusion 

Folic acid is vital for everyone’s health, not just pregnant women. It is an important nutrient that plays a key role in the human body. Folic acid helps our bodies make new cells and may support heart health in both men and women. It is also an easy way to boost your overall well-being.

We understand how even one vitamin can make a big difference, which is why Transparent Hands’ medical team emphasizes the benefits of taking folic acid and provides other essential supplements to needy patients at our free medical camps across Pakistan. Explore our upcoming free medical camps and preventive healthcare sessions.