Explore the health benefits of folic acid, including for people who are pregnant.
See who should and shouldn’t take folic acid supplements.
First, how much folic acid do you need per day?
Tip:DFE reflects the higher absorption of folic acid over folate naturally present in food.
5 health benefits of folic acid
1.
That said, its pretty hard to get 400 micrograms of folate through diet alone.
board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist and the founder ofLady Parts Doctor
Thats whereprenatal vitaminscome in handy.
Theyre formulated with just the right amount of folic acid for pregnant people.
These conditions can mess with your bodys ability to absorb certain vitamins and nutrients.
People with an MTHFR gene variant may also be more prone to a folate deficiency.
People taking certain medications may also have low levels of folic acid.
If your folic acid levels are lacking, it can show up in your health.
It supports your heart health
Folic acid is also important for yourheart health.
It helps your body break down an amino acid called homocysteine, says Dr. Li.
When homocysteine levels get too high, it can damage your endotheliumor the lining of your blood vessels.
board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist and the founder ofLady Parts Doctor
Over time, this can cause blockages that lead to serious heart problems like stroke, adds Dr. Li.
Worth noting: Folate is key for your red blood cells to properly function.
take a stab at fill your diet with folic-acid rich foods.
DNA is basically the genetic code or blueprint for the proper development and functioning of your body.
So if something goes wrong when making DNA, mutations can happen, which can sometimes lead to cancer.
Still, theres no concrete data that taking folic acid supplements prevents cancer, per Mount Sinai.
This means getting enough folate may helpsupport your mental healthand possibly reduce the symptoms of depression, including suicidality.
While these are promising findings, the relationship between folic acid and depression is still not fully understood.
Researchers do have some preliminary theories about this connection, though.
One is that folic acid is needed by the brain to produce neurotransmitters such asserotoninanddopamine, says Dr. Li.
Theres no guarantee folic acid supplements alone will treat your depression symptoms.
Your doctor can also help decide the right dosage for you.
Who should not take folic acid supplements?
For some people, taking a folic acid supplement might do more harm than good.
When you take the daily recommended dosage, folic acid is generally safe.
To be safe, always talk to your doctor before taking more than 800 micrograms of folic acid.
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