Folic Acid Health Benefits, Properties, and Uses
Properties: Antidepressant, Anti-anxiety, Skin regeneration
What is Folic Acid?
Folic acid definition is “a synthetic version of folate”, which is a water-soluble member of the B-complex vitamin family. Called vitamin B-9, folic acid is vital to human health. 1 Folic acid was discovered after 1931 and is on the World Health Organization’s List of Essential Medicines which are the most important medications needed in a basic health system. It is extremely economical to produce as a synthetic supplement and, because it’s water soluble, folic acid is constantly discharged by the body’s waste system. 1
Folic Acid Health Uses and Health Benefits
Folic acid benefits are absolutely essential to making the body function properly at the cellular level. Folic acid is necessary for the production of red blood cells and for the synthesis of DNA which controls heredity and is used to guide cells in daily activities like replacing dead cells, multiplying and dividing. As a prominent B vitamin, folic acid benefits include being crucial for brain function and plays an important part in mental and emotional health. Folic acid benefits are especially important when cells and tissues are rapidly developing such as in infancy, adolescence and pregnancy. 1,2
Folic acid works with vitamins B-6 and B-12 to help iron work properly in the body and to control blood levels of the amino acid homocysteine. Humans cannot make folic acid naturally and therefore must be consumed in diet with folic acid foods. The word “folate” refers to foliage and, not surprisingly, some of the best folic acid foods come from green and leafy foods like spinach, peas, beans, avocados, peanuts, romaine lettuce and wheat germ. Beef liver is another high source of folic acid food. 2,3 Folic acid health benefits include the treatment and prevention of:
- Cervical Cancer - Cervical cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in women. It’s caused by a number of conditions including the sexually-transmitted virus, human papillomavirus or HPV. Normally, a woman’s immune system prevents the virus from becoming cancerous. A healthy level of folic acid or vitamin B-9 is necessary for proper cell development and keeping a strong immune system.
- Vaginosis - This is a vaginal disease caused by excess or “abnormal” bacteria and presents as an inflammation in the vagina as well as an unusual discharge, odor and irritation. A lack of folate in the diet is often linked to causing vaginosis.
- Down Syndrome - Down Syndrome is a birth defect where the individual has an extra copy of chromosome 21. It creates physical and mental deformity. Research indicates that a vitamin B-9 or folic acid deficiency during pregnancy may increase the chances of a Down Syndrome birth.
- Homocystinuria - This is a disorder of the amino acid homocysteine level. It’s linked to a high risk of heart attack and stroke through a lack of B-complex vitamins, especially B-9 or folate.
- Birth Defects - Women who do not get enough folic acid during pregnancy are more likely to have children with birth defects. 600 mcg of folic acid per day is recommended for expectant mothers.
- Depression - Folic acid contributes to mental and emotional well-being. People with low vitamin B-9 levels may be more likely to be depressed and a regular intake of foods high in folic acid or a quality B-9 supplement may help prevent or relieve depression.
Folic Acid Side Effects and Precautions
There really are no known side effects to folic acid or vitamin B-9. Because folic acid is water-soluble, and excess vitamin B-9 is naturally flushed by the digestive and waste system. 1 If taking folic acid as a supplement, follow the recommended dosage in the information from the supplier.