Folic Acid prevents birth defects
Folic Acid Supplements: Uses, Benefits & More
Updated Apr. 26th, 2024 | Read Time: 2 Minutes | What You Will Learn:
- Key Health Benefits of Folic Acid Supplements
- Understanding The Complexities of B Complex & How They Work In Your Body
- Folic Acid & B Complex Supplement Varieties
- Important Considerations About Folic Acid Supplements
Folic acid is a water-soluble member of the B complex. It is also known as folate and folacin. Folic Acid supplements are converted into folate by the body and is used as a dietary supplement and in food fortification as it is more stable during processing and storage.
Key Health Benefits of Folic Acid Supplements
Folic acid supplements are needed for energy production, cell replication and the formation of red and white blood cells. It plays an important role in the conversion of homocysteine into harmless substances. Homocysteine damages the inner lining of arteries and high levels of homocysteine are correlated to an increased risk of atherosclerosis.
Folic acid is especially needed in areas where there is high cell turnover. Therefore, it is an essential component of normal fetal development, especially in the first trimester when most of the neural network is laid down.
It is commonly recommended by natural health care practitioners for a variety of different therapeutic applications including:
- Cervical Dysplasia
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Anemia
- Atherosclerosis
Understanding The Complexities of B Complex & How They Work In Your Body
All of the B vitamins work together and are best used by the body in a B complex, which is why many B complex supplements include a small dose of folic acid in them. If additional supplementation of folic acid is needed, it should be taken in addition to a good B complex.
Folic Acid & B Complex Supplement Varieties
Most B vitamins are water-soluble and any extra from large doses is flushed out of the body easily, therefore, it's best to take lower dosages of the B complex several times a day than one larger dose. Spray or sublingual forms of B vitamins are easily absorbed, as are capsules and if your digestion is healthy, then the tablet form is usually suitable for most people.
Important Considerations About Folic Acid Supplements
Folic acid is depleted by oral contraceptives and many other types of medication. Alcohol blocks the absorption of folic acid. High doses of folic acid can also change the way your body uses certain medications. Check with your health practitioner before taking large doses of folic acid.
Cooking or microwaving destroys folic acid. Pregnant women should begin supplementation before they become pregnant because folic acid is most needed during the first six weeks of fetal life. This is often when a woman does not know she is pregnant.
It was recommended that I take at least 2mg/day to help with depression - in tandem with a number of other supplements.
Apparently as we get older, our bodies cannot digest as many nutrients from the food we eat, so we might benefit from taking them in supplement form.
From what I understand, many b vitamins work together, so I've always taken a general b complex supplement at the same time as the folic acid.
Hello Lily,
Folic acid and b vitamins support many health issues, including cognitive health. With modern food supply not being as fresh, some people can lack proper nutrient absorption, making bioavailable supplements beneficial. If you'd like to learn more about supplements that support depression, you'll enjoy reading our other articles.
https://www.nationalnutrition.ca/articles/health-concerns/depression/
Have a healthy day!
Folic acid is so interesting because as humans we are unable to create our own folic acid that is why we need to take it as supplements! It is also great to know that we should be taking folic acid supplements 3 months before getting pregnant because as the article states women often find out they are pregnant later and folic acid is so important for fetal development especially in the early stages! This article was so great, I love learning about folic acid and it is cool that it is part of the B family, so I really enjoyed this. Thanks for sharing!
Hello,
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, we are happy that you enjoyed this article. Folic acid is important for fetal development!
Knowledge is health!