7 Health Benefits of Folic Acid

 Folic acid or Vitamin B9 is a water-soluble vitamin that is necessary for your body's normal growth and development. It is necessary for the formation of DNA which is the body's genetic material. Folic acid is a synthetic substitute for natural folate. There are a few structural differences between folic acid and folate, but they contribute to adequate food intake.

Flour, cereal, and bread are often fortified with folic acid.

You can also find folic acid in supplements.

In this blog, I will share some of the health benefits of folic acid and folate supplements.

1. Healthy pregnancy and prenatal development

Folic acid supplements are prescribed to pregnant women for the health of the mother and fetus. Two of the most common birth defects associated with folic acid deficiency are spina bifida and anencephaly. Spina bifida is an abnormality of the spinal cord, while anencephaly is the absence of the brain. Getting enough folic acid is so important during pregnancy that the US Preventive Services Task Force recommends that all women at risk of pregnancy consume 400 to 800 mcg of folic acid per day. . Adequate folic acid intake is very important during the first trimester.

2. Protection from heart diseases

A deficiency of folic acid increases the level of homocysteine ​​in your blood. High levels of homocysteine, an amino acid, can cause atherosclerosis, which is the accumulation of fatty plaques in the walls of blood vessels. Folic acid, mainly when used with vitamin B12, can reduce homocysteine ​​levels in the body by up to 30%.

3. Stronger memory

Folic acid contributes to the metabolism of homocysteine, an amino acid. In doing so, folic acid helps improve memory and reduce age-related memory loss. The accumulation of fatty plaques in the brain is responsible for cognitive decline and memory loss. The combination of folic acid, vitamin B12, and vitamin B6 has been shown to reduce the formation of these plaques in the brain.

4. Healthier central nervous system

Folic acid is important for the development of the embryonic nervous system. Studies show that folic acid also contributes to the health and development of the nervous system in adults. It is essential for the growth, repair, and recovery of brain cells. This is because folic acid maintains the vessels that supply blood to the nervous system in a healthy state.

5. Normal red blood cell production

Folic acid is needed for the normal production of red blood cells in the body. Folic acid is needed for DNA replication, which is an important part of the production of red blood cells. Folate deficiency can cause anemia. Symptoms of anemia are weakness, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating

6. Fight against depression

Studies show that people with depression are often deficient in folic acid. In combination with antidepressants, folic acid supplements can accelerate recovery. One study showed that taking folic acid with antidepressants alleviated depressive symptoms much faster than patients taking antidepressants alone.

7. Prevent hypertension

High blood pressure means an increase in blood pressure. Studies show that taking folic acid regularly for at least 6 weeks can lower blood pressure in hypertensive patients. However, folic acid is not a substitute for blood pressure medication. This concludes the list of health benefits of taking folic acid. Remember that your body does not store folic acid, so you should drink it regularly and in sufficient quantities.