Folic Acid Benefits And Uses

1. Helps Avoid Birth Defects/ Pregnancy Complication

Folic acid helps to enhance the fetus and prevent birth defects. Sufficient intake of folic acid before and during early pregnancy plays a significant role in reducing the risk of neural tube defects such as anencephaly and spina bifida.

Folic acid is equally necessary for the proper development of the baby’s spinal cord and brain and for lowering the risk of pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia (high blood pressure that occurs during pregnancy). Moreover, it also contributes to lowering the issue of a baby’s low birth weight, premature baby, and poor growth in the womb.

2. Supports Brain Health

Low blood folate levels are connected to an increased risk of dementia and poor mental function. Adequate intake of folate plays a significant role in protecting a person from Alzheimer’s disease, a most common type of dementia.

According to a 2019 study that was carried out among 180 adults with mild cognitive impairment, consumption of 400 mcg of folic acid supplements daily for the time period of 2 years brought improvement in brain functioning and also reduced blood levels of proteins involved in Alzheimer’s disease.

3. Prevents Mental Health Disorders

Folate does have a significant amount of contribution in the production of brain chemicals named as neurotransmitters. Very little consumption of folate can easily lead to depression, schizophrenia, and other mental health conditions.

According to the findings of the study conducted in 2022, folic acid and folate supplements may help reduce symptoms of mental health conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and postpartum depression. Taking folic acid by mouth in addition to antidepressants has proved to be fruitful in reducing depression symptoms more effectively as compared to taking antidepressants alone.

4. Regulates Mood And Cognitive Function

There is the involvement of folic acid in the synthesis of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin that are vital for the regulation of mood.

Research shows that about 30% of acutely depressed patients are folate-deficient. Folic acid in addition to other B vitamins supports to improvement and enhance thinking capabilities, and cognitive function also reducing the risk of dementia and mild cognitive impairment.

5. Supports People With Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

Folic acid has been beneficial for people with rheumatoid arthritis as it helps to cut down the side effects of common medicines used to treat this condition. Common medications used to treat RA can deplete folic acid levels in the body leading to side effects like digestive issues, tiredness, sore mouth, etc.

The supplements of folic acid are often used to help the body restore its level, thereby reducing the occurrence of these side effects. After taking folic acid supplements, patients are likely to tolerate the RA medication, helping to manage the condition.

6. Necessary For DNA Synthesis And Repair

Folic acid serves as a coenzyme in the convoluted process of DNA synthesis and repair helping the enzymes to function properly. It shows involvement in the creation of nucleotides, the building blocks of DNA. Hence, folic acid ensures the precise replication of genetic information in the synthesis process.

Various sources such as free radicals and environmental toxins are prone to causing DNA damage, folic acid helps to correct errors caused by supporting the DNA repair mechanism. This vitamin also gets involved in DNA methylation, a process that regulates the expression of genes and stabilizes DNA.

7. Reduces Heart Disease Risk Factors

Folic acid is highly effective for the reduction of heart disease risk factors. It supports to improvement heart health and lessens the risk of heart disease. Folic acid is highly responsible for the breaking down of homocysteine levels in the blood, which is highly associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

The use of folic acid supplements along with antihypertensive medications also aids in minimizing high blood pressure comparatively more than antihypertensive medications alone. These supplements do improve the blood vessel function in people suffering from heart disease.

8. Supports Red Blood Cell Formation

Folic acid plays a crucial role in the production of red blood cells in the human body. It helps to carry out DNA synthesis, the process of creating new DNA as red blood cells do require DNA for replication like every other cell.

Folic acid also acts as a supporting factor for the cell division process by the time red blood cells start multiplying and maturing. Likewise, this prevents the human body from anemia which is a condition that causes fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath in the body. It thus, ensures a proper and healthy supply of oxygen-carrying cells in the body.

9. Prevents Autism Spectrum Disorder(ASD)

Although folic acid cannot be considered as a cure for ASD, some studies are showing some correlations between them. According to some research, taking folic acid before and during early pregnancy may reduce the chance of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) being developed in the baby.

A 2022 research came up with the finding that consumption of at least 400 micrograms of folic acid from food and supplements during pregnancy would reduce the chance of the baby developing ASD.

10. Beneficial For Hair

Folic acid plays a significant role in hair growth. It helps to regulate the process of blood circulation in the scalp by producing red blood cells that carry oxygen and nutrients to the scalp.

It also helps to grow and repair cells, including those that are present in the hair follicles. In addition to this, you might be able to prevent and also get rid of premature hair graying through the aid of folic acid.

11. Beneficial For Skin

Folic acid works as an anti-ageing, antioxidant, and moisturizer. It is essential for cell growth and repair helping to maintain a radiant complexion.

Folic acid also contributes to the production of collagen, which is a protein that helps to maintain the elasticity and firmness of the skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. The DNA repair mechanism present in folic acid shields the skin cells from damage caused by environmental factors.

Moreover, it effectively removes dead skin and treats acne maintaining the natural beauty of the skin. Consumption of folic acid through the mouth has seemed to improve the symptoms of the skin condition named Vitiligo.

12. May Reduce The Risk Of Certain Cancers

Folic acid may possess the capability to protect you against certain cancers, including colorectal and breast cancer. Folic acid, being a vital part of DNA synthesis and repair, helps to correct genetic errors to some extent that can lead to the development of cancer cells.

Folic acid may also help to reduce the inflammation in the body combating another cause/symptom of cancer. The antioxidant properties present in folic acid protect cells from damage caused by environmental factors.

13. Promotes Cell Division and Growth

Folic acid helps to create the building blocks of DNA and nucleotides and also regulates the DNA replication process, making sure that new cells receive the correct genetic information. It also helps to maintain and regulate the cell cycle ensuring that cells divide in the correct order and time.

The amount of energy that is required for the cell division process is also handled by the folic acid. There is the involvement of folic acid in the metabolism process of amino acids, the building blocks of proteins as well. Overall, the presence of folic acid is associated with the maintained cell division and growth processes.

14. Prevents Age-Related Macular Degeneration

According to the research conducted by Harvard Medical School researchers, taking a combination of vitamins B6 and B12 and folic acid appears to decrease the risk of age-related macular degeneration in women. Macular degeneration is a condition related to the loss of vision.

Folic acids along with vitamins B6 and B12 can help protect the macula, by reducing the levels of homocysteine. Also, these vitamins can help to improve blood vessel function in the eye and their antioxidant properties help to protect the eye from oxidative damage.

15. Supports Immune Function

Folic acid increases the count of white blood cells in the body. The white blood cells play a vital role in the immune system as they help to combat toxins, pathogens, and several other harmful foreign bodies. There is evidence that folic acid and cobalamin help to maintain a healthy balance of the immune system.

Folic acid helps to produce new cells, including immune cells and replicate immune cells getting involved in DNA synthesis. It also supports the metabolism process of amino acids which can be considered as one of the essential components of immune cells.

16. Supports Overall Growth And Development

Folic acid is equally important for overall growth and development in infancy, childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. During the period of fetal development, folic acid works as an important factor for the proper development of the baby’s spinal cord and brain, cell growth and division, and DNA synthesis. 

During the period of childhood and adolescence, folic acid supports the development of muscles, organs, bones, brain and also strengthens the immune system of the body. In adulthood, folic acid helps to consistently replace old cells with new cells, repair DNA damage, and produce healthy red blood cells.

17. Prevents Cleft Lip And Palate

Research says that folic acid reduces the risk of cleft lip and cleft palate. A study published in 2007 found that an intake of 0.4 milligrams of folic acid per day could lessen a baby’s risk of cleft lip by nearly one-third.

The occurrence of both neural tube irregularities and cleft palate takes place during the early phases of fetal development. Folic acid playing a vital role in cell growth and development might also make significant impact on the face and palate.

18. Other Possible Benefits

Folic acid may help you to deal with these health conditions as well:

1. Diabetes: Folate supplements may help to regulate blood sugar and reduce insulin resistance in people suffering from diabetes. You may require a supplement if your blood sugar levels are low as some diabetes drugs can minimize the folate levels.
2. Inflammation: Folic acid and folate supplements have proved their effectiveness by reducing the markers of inflammation such as C-reactive protein.
3. Kidney disease: Homocysteine starts to build up when the kidneys are damaged. But, folic acid supplements can contribute to lower homocysteine levels and heart disease risk in people suffering from kidney disease.
4. Fertility issues: Folate improves the quality of the egg and helps eggs grow and implant in the uterus. It may also maximize the chance of getting pregnant.

Uses of Folic Acid

Folic acid is an important component of nucleic acids that is necessary for making genetic material, the development of human cells, tissues, organs, and red blood synthesis. Some of the important uses of folic acid are listed below:

Promoting Overall Health

Folic acid can be used for the production and repair of DNA, growth, and division of cells throughout the body, reduction of heart disease risk factors, maintenance of brain health, growth of hair, and skin, and many more.

Preventing Pregnancy Complications

Folic acid minimizes the risk of neural tube defects, supports overall fetal growth and development, and protects the baby from premature birth, miscarriage, poor growth, cleft palate, etc.

Treating Folate Deficiency

The anemia that has been caused by folate deficiency can be treated with the help of folic acid. It can also be used to prevent mental issues and impaired immune function.

Supporting Cognitive Function

Folic acid has the potential to improve memory and thinking ability in older people who have an unusual decline in their thinking skills. It reduces the risk of dementia in older people making it somewhat easy for them to live their lives and perform daily activities or interact with others.

Reducing The Risk Of Cancer

Folic acid can be an effective ingredient to prevent the risk of certain cancers like colorectal and breast cancer because of its positive role in DNA synthesis and repair, its ability to protect DNA from free radicals, etc.

Treating Mental Health Conditions

Folate plays an important role in the production of neurotransmitters which are responsible for mood regulation and maintaining balance in mental health. Folic acid helps to reduce the level of depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder in a person.

Enhance Immunity

Folic acid is necessary for the production of new cells which also includes immune cells. The immune cells fight against several types of diseases and infections. It supports the metabolism of amino acids, the building blocks of proteins. Folic acid is the nutrition provider for the immune system in order to function properly.

Foods Rich In Folate

Including folate-rich foods (that have vitamin B9 naturally) in your diet will help avoid its deficiency. Some of the natural food sources that are high in folate are as follows:

• Liver
• Avocado
• Papaya
• Oranges
• Bananas
• Mango
• Spinach
• Broccoli
• Green Peas
• Cabbage
• Okra