What is folic acid good for and who should take it?

Surely more than once you have heard about folic acid and the importance of pregnant women taking it for the health of their baby , but is it exclusive to this stage of life? Find out what folic acid is for and who should take it .

 

If someone asks you about folic acid , you will probably answer that it is a vitamin that pregnant women should take to prevent problems in the development of their baby .

However, we have also seen that it is added to some foods , including cereals considered for children (yes, those sweets that we all enjoy eating), so we wonder if we also need folic acid .

 

What is folic acid for?

 

According to information from MedlinePlus , folic acid is a type of B vitamin (here we explain more about B vitamins and what each one is for), which is used by the body to produce new cells and tissues .

 

A curious fact is that folic acid is nothing but the synthetic form of folate (also vitamin B ), which is found naturally in some foods ; however, since it is almost impossible to consume an adequate amount through the diet, it is recommended to take folic acid , in addition to the fact that it is used more easily by the body .

Folate is very necessary for the development of the human body , as it plays a role in the production of DNA and other bodily functions , such as the formation of red blood cells and the breakdown, use and creation of new proteins , work that it does hand in hand with vitamin B12 and C (these are the foods rich in this vitamin ).

 

In the case of pregnancy , its main function is to reduce the risk of a baby having neural tube defects , that is, congenital deformities that involve incomplete development of the brain and spinal cord , such as spina bifida, anencephaly, or encephalocele .

 

Who should take folic acid?

 

We all need folate , because its deficiency can lead to certain types of anemia , mouth and peptic ulcers , growth retardation , and has even been related to certain types of depression ; Studies have also found that low folate levels are linked to dementia , and folic acid improves mental function .

 

Hence, folic acid is incorporated into several processed foods , because with these and a varied diet (which includes folate ), the daily needs of the general population could be met (although it must be a doctor who confirms or rules out that you need a supplement ).

 

However, in certain cases it is very likely that supplements are the best option, since the requirements are higher , for example, yes, you were right: during pregnancy , but also in women of childbearing age .

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , women of reproductive age should consume 400 mcg of folic acid daily , as this is the amount needed to prevent birth defects in the event of an unplanned pregnancy , as it is during the first weeks that the defects appear.

 

Although if you have never taken it and plan to have a baby , the ideal is to start a month before trying it. Likewise, the intake of folic acid by men has been related to better sperm quality , so it would not hurt to consult your doctor if it will be beneficial for you and your partner.

 

Now you know, folic acid and/or folate is necessary for everyone at all stages , however, some can obtain it from food and others from supplements . However, do not hesitate to ask your doctor if it is necessary for you to incorporate any “extras” as well.

You may also be interested in: 5 Employee Wellness Programs that Should Be Implemented by Every Organization