What is folic acid and what are they for?
Folic acid is a B vitamin. The body uses it to make new cells . Think skin, hair, and nails. These, and other parts of the body, make new cells every day.
Folic acid and folate are both terms for a type of B vitamin (vitamin B9).
Folate is a B vitamin found naturally in foods, such as green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, and beans.
Folic acid is an artificial (synthetic) folate. This is found in supplements and added to fortified foods.
The terms folic acid and folate are often used interchangeably.
Folic acid is water soluble. Leftover amounts of the vitamin leave the body through urine. This means that the body does not store folic acid. You need to get a regular supply of this vitamin in the food you eat or through supplements.
Functions of Folic Acid
Folate has several functions in the body:
- Helps in tissue growth and cell work
- Works together with vitamin B12 and vitamin C to help the body break down, use, and create new proteins
- Helps the formation of red blood cells (helps prevent anemia)
- Helps produce DNA, the building block of the human body, which carries genetic information
Because it's hard to get enough folate from food, women who are thinking about getting pregnant need to take folic acid supplements. Taking the right amount of folic acid before and during pregnancy helps prevent certain neural tube abnormalities, including spina bifida. Taking higher doses of folic acid before becoming pregnant and during the first trimester may decrease the chance of a miscarriage.
Folic acid supplements can also be used to treat a lack of folate, and can help with some types of menstrual problems and leg ulcers .
Who should take folic acid?
All women of reproductive age should get 400 micrograms ( mcg ) of folic acid daily, in addition to consuming folate-containing foods as part of a varied diet, to help prevent neural tube defects (NTDs). ).
Folic Acid Deficiency
What causes a lack of folic acid in the body?
Folic acid deficiency can cause: Fatigue, irritability, or diarrhea. Insufficient growth . Smooth and sensitive tongue.
What symptoms do you have if you have low folic acid?
Consequences of having low folic acid
- Fatigue or irritability.
- Anemia (low red blood cell count).
- Low levels of white blood cells and platelets (in severe cases).
- Pale skin (pallor).
- Red, irritated, sometimes shiny tongue.
- Shortness of breath and dizziness.
Benefits of taking Folic Acid
What are the benefits of taking folic acid at age 50?
Folic acid is a vitamin from the B9 complex, which is essential to prevent degenerative diseases such as diabetes, breast cancer, cervical cancer, prostate cancer, blood pressure, as well as helping the body create new cells.
How long does folic acid take to work?
If you are taking folic acid to treat a deficiency, you will probably feel better quickly, often within 24 hours.
Recommended dose
How much folic acid should an older adult take?
The maximum recommended amount of folic acid during pregnancy or lactation is 800 mcg per day for those under 18 years of age and 1000 mcg per day for those over 18 years of age.
How many folic acid pills should I take for hair?
When we receive the recommended daily dose of 400 micrograms, folate or folic acid can have wonderful results on the hair. Helps hair growth. By generating new cells, folic acid contributes to the keratinization of hair during its active growth.
Contraindications
What people should not take folic acid?
Some women, especially those who could become pregnant, may not get enough folic acid from food. African-American and Mexican-American women are also at higher risk for not getting enough folic acid every day.
