Folic Acid – Uses, Side Effects, and More
OTHER NAME(S): 5′-methyltetrahydrofolate, 5′-methyltetrahydrofolic acid, 5′-MTHF, Acide Folique, Acide Ptéroylglutamique, Acide Ptéroylmonoglutamique, Acido Folico, B Complex Vitamin, Complexe de Vitamines B, Complexe Vitaminique B, Dihydrofolate, Dihydrofolic Acid, Folacin, Folacine, Folate, Folinic Acid, L-methylfolate, Methylfolate, Méthylfolate, Methylfolic Acid, Pteroylglutamic Acid, Pteroylmonoglutamic Acid, Pteroylpolyglutamate, Tetrahydrofolate, Tétrahydrofolate, Vitamin B9, Vitamine B9
Folic Acid
It is a synthetic form of folate, which is a B vitamin that plays an important role in the formation of red blood cells and in the development of the neural tube in fetuses. It is commonly used as a dietary supplement and is often added to fortified foods, such as breakfast cereals and bread.
important for a healthy pregnancy, as it can help prevent birth defects in the baby’s brain and spine.
To reduce the risk of these birth defects, women of childbearing age should take 400-800 micrograms daily.
The body produces and maintains new cells with its help, so it is essential for overall health.
While It is generally considered safe, it can interact with certain medications and may cause side effects, such as nausea, bloating, and gas. It is important to talk to your healthcare provider before taking any new supplements.
Uses
Folic acid is used for a variety of purposes, including:
Pregnancy: It is recommended for women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant to reduce the risk of birth defects in the baby’s brain and spine.
Anemia: Acide Folique plays a key role in the formation of red blood cells, and a deficiency in it can lead to anemia. Supplementing with folic acid may help improve symptoms of anemia.
Cardiovascular health: It may help reduce the risk of heart disease by reducing levels of homocysteine, an amino acid that can damage blood vessels.
Depression: Some studies suggest that folic acid may be helpful in treating depression, particularly when used in combination with antidepressant medications.
Cancer prevention: It may play a role in preventing certain types of cancer, such as colon, breast, and cervical cancer. However, more research is needed to confirm this.
Cognitive function: It may help improve cognitive function in older adults, particularly memory and processing speed.
It is important to note that while folic acid may be helpful in these conditions, it should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment. It is always best to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplements or treatments.
Precautions
While folic is generally considered safe when taken as recommended, there are some precautions to keep in mind:
Medication interactions: Folic can interact with certain medications, including methotrexate, which is used to treat cancer and autoimmune diseases. Taking folic along with methotrexate can reduce its effectiveness. It is important to talk to your healthcare provider before taking any new supplements, especially if you are taking medication.
Vitamin B12 deficiency: Taking high doses of folic can mask the symptoms of a vitamin B12 deficiency. This can be a concern for people who follow a vegan or vegetarian diet or have digestive issues that prevent them from absorbing enough vitamin B12. It is important to talk to your healthcare provider if you are concerned about your vitamin B12 levels.
Epilepsy: High doses of folic may increase the risk of seizures in people with epilepsy. It is important to talk to your healthcare provider before taking folic if you have epilepsy.
Cancer risk: While folic acid may help reduce the risk of some types of cancer, it may increase the risk of others. More research is needed to understand the relationship between folic and cancer risk.
Allergic reactions: Some people may be allergic to folic and may experience symptoms such as itching, rash, and difficulty breathing. If you experience any of these symptoms, stop taking folic acid and seek medical attention.
It is important to talk to your healthcare provider before taking any new supplements, including folic, especially if you have a medical condition or are taking medication. Your healthcare provider can help you determine if folic is safe and appropriate for you.
Dosing
The recommended daily dose of folic acid can vary depending on age, gender, and health status. Here are some general guidelines:
Pregnancy: Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should take 400-800 micrograms of folic acid daily to help prevent birth defects in the baby’s brain and spine.
Breastfeeding: Women who are breastfeeding may need to take a higher dose of folic, up to 500-600 micrograms daily.
Anemia: Folic acid may be used to treat anemia. The recommended dose for this purpose is typically 1-5 milligrams per day.
Other health conditions: Folic acid may be recommended for other health conditions, such as depression, heart disease, or cancer prevention. The recommended dose for these conditions may vary depending on the individual and should be determined by a healthcare provider.
It is important to follow recommended dosages and talk to your healthcare provider before taking any new supplements, especially if you have a medical condition or are taking medication. Your healthcare provider can help you determine if folic acid is safe and appropriate for you, and can recommend the appropriate dosage based on your individual needs.
FAQs
What is folic acid uses for?
When the baby is developing early during pregnancy, folic acid helps form the neural tube. Folic acid is very important because it can help prevent some major birth defects of the baby’s brain (anencephaly) and spine (spina bifida).
What are 3 benefits of folic acid?
Folic acid supplements are used for: Preventing neural tube defects in babies. Preventing and treating anemia. Preventing side effects from taking methotrexate. Treating a folate deficiency.
Is folic acid and vitamin B12 the same thing?
Your body needs vitamin B-12, also called cobalamin, and folate, also called folic acid, to function normally. Both nutrients play important roles in creating red blood cells and making DNA and RNA to help build cells.
Is it OK to take folic acid everyday?
All women should get in the habit of taking folic acid daily even when they are not planning to get pregnant. For folic acid to help, a woman needs to take it every day, starting before she becomes pregnant.
What is side effect of folic acid?
you get a skin rash that may include itchy, red, swollen, blistered or peeling skin. you’re wheezing. you get tightness in the chest or throat. you have trouble breathing or talking.
Is folic acid good for your hair?
According to Dr Chaturvedi, folic acid helps to promote hair growth, add volume and even reduce the rate of premature greying—it does so by amping up the body’s cell production processes.
What fruit has folic acid?
Many fruits contain folic acid, but citrus fruits rank highest — oranges are especially high in the vitamin. Other folate-rich fruits include grapefruit, papayas, grapes, bananas, strawberries, raspberries and cantaloupe.
What are the symptoms of low folic acid?
Symptoms of vitamin B12 or folate deficiency extreme tiredness. a lack of energy. pins and needles (paraesthesia) a sore and red tongue. mouth ulcers. muscle weakness. disturbed vision. psychological problems, which may include depression and confusion.
Which foods contain folic acid?
Good sources of folate broccoli. brussels sprouts. leafy green vegetables, such as cabbage, kale, spring greens and spinach. peas. chickpeas and kidney beans. liver (but avoid this during pregnancy) breakfast cereals fortified with folic acid.
What causes low folic acid?
Folate deficiency caused by a lack of dietary folate is more common in people who have a generally unbalanced and unhealthy diet, people who regularly misuse alcohol, and people following a restrictive diet that does not involve eating good sources of folate.
What are the symptoms of low B12?
Vitamin B12 or folate deficiency anaemia can cause a wide range of symptoms. These usually develop gradually, but can worsen if the condition goes untreated. rapid breathing or shortness of breath. headaches. indigestion. loss of appetite. palpitations. problems with your vision. feeling weak or tired. diarrhoea.
Who should not take folic acid?
Folic acid is not suitable for some people. To make sure it’s safe for you, tell your doctor before starting to take folic acid if you: have ever had an allergic reaction to folic acid or any other medicine. have low vitamin B12 levels (vitamin B12 deficiency anaemia) or pernicious anaemia.
How long should I take folic acid?
It’s best to take folic acid for at least 14 weeks before you become pregnant, when you’re trying for a baby. You should continue taking it for at least the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Folic acid can also be taken with: ferrous fumarate and ferrous sulphate (to treat iron deficiency anaemia)
Why would a doctor prescribe folic acid?
Folic acid is used to: treat or prevent folate deficiency anaemia. help your baby’s brain, skull and spinal cord develop properly in pregnancy, to avoid development problems (called neural tube defects) such as spina bifida.
