what are the benefits of taking folic acid

How early should I start taking folic acid?

Tips for taking prenatal vitamins

• Ask your doctor about switching to another brand. Sometimes, a prenatal is formulated in a way that just doesn’t sit right with you.
• Try a different method. ...
• Drink lots of water before and after. ...
• Experiment with food. ...

Why you should take folic acid?

Spina bifida is not common but it can cause a wide range of problems for the baby, including:

• problems with movement
• bladder and bowel problems
• learning difficulties.

What is folic acid, and should you be taking it?

You should also focus on eating a varied diet rich in foods ... Because of that, the CDC recommends that anyone who could possibly become pregnant take a folic acid supplement. “Take a multivitamin with folic acid in it if you are capable of becoming ...

Which foods have the least folic acid?

• Seeds & Nuts. Eating seeds and nuts is a great way to ensure folic acid intake. ...
• Asparagus. One cup of asparagus is packed with 79mcg of folic acid. ...
• Broccoli. Although children always turn their noses up at broccoli, it has been proved repeatedly that it is very healthy.
• Brussels Sprout. ...
• Cauliflower. ...
• Beets. ...
• Corn. ...
• Celery. ...
• Carrots. ...
• Squash. ...

More items...

What happens when you take folic acid everyday?

If a woman has enough folic acid in her body before she is pregnant, it can help prevent major birth defects of her baby's brain and spine. These birth defects are neural tube defects or NTDs. Women need to take folic acid every day, starting before they are pregnant to help prevent NTDs.

What benefit does folic acid give you?

Folic acid helps your body produce and maintain new cells, and also helps prevent changes to DNA that may lead to cancer. As a medication, folic acid is used to treat folic acid deficiency and certain types of anemia (lack of red blood cells) caused by folic acid deficiency.

What are 3 benefits of folic acid?

People who are pregnant or might become pregnant take folic acid to prevent serious birth defects such as spina bifida. Folic acid is also used for many other conditions including depression, stroke, decline in memory and thinking skills, and many others.

What are the side effects of taking folic acid?

What are the side effects of Folic Acid (FA-8)?nausea, loss of appetite;bloating, gas, stomach pain;bitter or unpleasant taste in your mouth;confusion, trouble concentrating;sleep problems;depression; or.feeling excited or irritable.

Does folic acid cause weight gain?

There is no evidence that people with adequate blood levels of folic acid will gain weight if they take supplements. However, weight loss is one possible side effect of a folate deficiency.

What are the symptoms of low folic acid?

Symptoms of vitamin B12 or folate deficiencyextreme 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.More items...

When should I take folic acid morning or night?

For this reason, those taking folic acid supplements need to take one every day. There is no need to take the supplement at a specific time of day or with a meal. However, developing a habit, such as taking a prenatal vitamin every morning with breakfast, may make it easier to remember to take folic acid.

What medications should not be taken with folic acid?

Possible interactions include:Anticonvulsants. Taking folic acid with fosphenytoin (Cerebyx), phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek) or primidone (Mysoline) might decrease the drug's concentration in your blood.Barbiturates. ... Methotrexate (Trexall). ... Pyrimethamine (Daraprim).

Who needs folic acid?

CDC urges all women of reproductive age to take 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid each day, in addition to consuming food with folate from a varied diet, to help prevent some major birth defects of the baby's brain (anencephaly) and spine (spina bifida).

How long does it take for folic acid to work?

Folic acid usually starts to work in a few hours. But if you're taking it for folate deficiency anaemia, it may be a few weeks before you start to feel better.

Does folic acid give you energy?

Vitamin B9, also called folate or folic acid, is one of 8 B vitamins. All B vitamins help the body convert food (carbohydrates) into fuel (glucose), which is used to produce energy.

How long should you take folic acid?

It's important to take a 400 micrograms folic acid tablet every day before you're pregnant and until you're 12 weeks pregnant. Folic acid can help prevent birth defects known as neural tube defects, including spina bifida.

Before Taking This Medicine

You should not use this medication if you have ever had an allergic reaction to folic acid.If you have any of these other conditions, you may need...

How Should I Take Folic acid?

Take folic acid exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on you...

What Happens If I Miss A Dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dos...

What Happens If I Overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.Overdose symptoms may include numbness or tingling, mouth or...

Folic Acid Dosing Information

Usual Adult Dose for Megaloblastic Anemia:1 mg orally, intramuscularly, subcutaneously or IV once a day. May continue until clinical symptoms of fo...

What Other Drugs Will Affect Folic acid?

The dosages of other medications you take may need to be changed while you are taking folic acid.Tell your doctor about all other medications you u...

Why is folic acid important for red blood cells?

Anemia. Because one of the biggest functions of folic acid is to aid the body in producing and maintaining new cells, the formation of red blood cells is dependent on the proper levels of this vitamin. Adults and children who do not consume enough of this vitamin have a higher chance of developing anemia. 3. Thyroid Health.

What cancers can folic acid help with?

More research needs to be conducted to see how folic acid supplementation can help with other kinds of cancer such as prostate, lung, and acute lymphoblastic leukemia. 10. Alzheimer’s Disease.

What is the best vitamin for hemorrhagic stroke?

People who have homocysteine blood levels higher than 11 micromoles/L are highly encouraged to supplement with folic acid as well as vitamin B12. In regards to stroke, research has shown that folic acid is more beneficial with hemorrhagic strokes (blood vessel ruptures) as opposed to ischemic stroke (blood clots).

What foods have folate in them?

Some foods are high in folate, and these include asparagus, green leafy vegetables, okra, mushrooms, lemons, bananas, melons, yeast, beans, tomato juice, orange juice, and beef liver. Folic acid is added to certain foods such as breads, flour, cold cereals, bakery items, and crackers. Because it can be difficult to get enough folate from ...

Does folic acid lower the risk of Alzheimer's?

10. Alzheimer’s Disease. There is some evidence that older individuals who take in higher levels of folic acid have a lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s . It has also been shown to decrease age-related decline in thinking skills and memory.

Is folic acid good for gums?

There is limited research that shows that folic acid may be beneficial for a number of gum problems. One study tested the effect of folic acid on gum problems that were caused by taking the prescription drug Phenytoin.

Does folic acid help with depression?

7. Depression. Although more studies need to be done, there is limited research that implies that folic acid may help to improve symptoms in individuals who have been medically diagnosed with depression. These studies tested folic acid when taken in conjunction with antidepressants.

Why is folic acid important?

Folic acid helps your body produce and maintain new cells, and also helps prevent changes to DNA that may lead to cancer. As a medication, folic acid is used to treat folic acid deficiency and certain types of anemia (lack of red blood cells) caused by folic acid deficiency. Folic acid is sometimes used with other medications to treat pernicious ...

How to take folic acid?

Follow the directions on your prescription label. Take folic acid tablets with a full glass of water. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication. Store folic acid at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What are the side effects of folic acid?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to folic acid: hives, rash, itching, skin redness; wheezing, difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Common folic acid side effects may include: nausea, loss of appetite; bloating, gas, stomach pain;

What to tell your doctor before taking folic acid?

Before you take folic acid, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis), an infection, if you are an alcoholic, or if you have any type of anemia that has not been diagnosed by a doctor and confirmed with laboratory testing.

What drugs interact with folic acid?

nitrofurantoin; pyrimethamine; tetracycline; a barbiturate such as phenobarbital or secobarbital; or. seizure medicine such as phenytoin or primidone. This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with folic acid, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Can you take folic acid while pregnant?

Talk to your doctor about taking folic acid during pregnancy or while breast-feeding. Folic acid is sometimes used in combination with other medications to treat pernicious anemia. Follow all directions on your medicine label and package.

Can folic acid be used for pernicious anemia?

Folic acid is sometimes used with other medications to treat pernicious anemia. Folic acid used alone will not treat pernicious anemia and other anemias not related to Vitamin B12 deficiency. Take all of your medications as directed.

What are the benefits of folic acid?

9 Impressive Benefits of Folic Acid (Vitamin B9) The health benefits of vitamin B9, also known as folic acid, include prevention of heart disorders, stroke, cancer, and birth defects during pregnancy. It also helps in building muscles, cell enhancement, hemoglobin formation, and provides relief from mental and emotional disorders.

What is the role of folic acid in the body?

Folic acid is responsible for improving the level of hemoglobin in the human body. Hemoglobin is an essential component that helps in the transfer of oxygen to cells and organ systems that need it to function properly. This can boost energy levels and increase metabolic efficiency.

What are the symptoms of folic acid deficiency?

The deficiency symptoms of folic acid include anemia, memory loss, restricted growth of the brain and nerves, paranoia, weakness, skin cracking, and a sore tongue. Apart from those mentioned above, a deficiency of vitamin B9 may also lead to severe problems like heart palpitations, birth defects, osteoporosis, bowel cancer, and leucopenia.

What foods are rich in folic acid?

The National Institutes of Health say that in order to make your diet rich in vitamin B9 or folic acid, you should include food items like green vegetables, cheese, and mushrooms. Beans, legumes, brewer’s yeast, and cauliflower are some rich sources of folic acid. Oranges, bananas, peas, brown rice, ...

Where is folic acid stored?

The human body is capable of preparing this vital vitamin and it is then stored in the liver.

Does folate help with cancer?

The British Journal of Cancer has published a study explaining how folate helps in lowering the risk of cancer. Dietary folate, when consumed regularly, has the ability to reduce breast cancer risk in women who consume a high level of alcohol. Researchers at the Guangdong Provincial Institute of Public Health, China found that natural folate has the ability to protect against pancreatic cancer. There is a tug of war between many studies in determining whether folate is healthy for keeping bladder cancer away. Although the results look promising, more evidence is still required to arrive at a conclusion. While you are thinking as to how to add more folate to your diet, make sure to seek natural options in contrast to supplements as some evidence points out the negative effect of folic acid-containing supplements. In an evidence-based critical review, Prof. Young-In Kim, MD says that folate is a potent anti-tumor agent but when taken in the form of supplements, it can instead be perilous than safe, for colorectal cancer. Also, when folic acid is not converted into active vitamin B9 or metabolized, it is a threat as it can fuel the growth of pre-existing cancers. [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] [11]

Is folic acid a coenzyme?

Folic acid is considered as a coenzyme, which effectively works in association with enzymes to perform the most desirable and important activities of the body, like the synthesis of DNA.

What is folic acid?

Folic acid is the synthetic version of the water-soluble vitamin folate, a B-vitamin (B9). Foods are often "fortified" with folic acid because in its natural state, folate doesn't do well when it comes to food storage and prep.

How much folate should I take a day?

Be sure to stick with the proper dosage. "The RDA (recommended daily allowance) for folate is 400 mcg (micrograms) per day.". While research is still pretty scant on the effects of taking too much folic acid, taking too much has been found to interfere with your body's ability to actually turn it into folate.

What are some good sources of folate?

"Other sources include egg yolk, asparagus, beef or chicken liver (be sure to choose organic), oranges, pinto beans, lentils, and seeds like pumpkin, sunflower and sesame.".

Does cereal have folic acid?

If you've ever noticed the label on your cereal box that says your food has been 'fortified', there's a good chance it has folic acid in it. In fact, since 1998, the Food and Drug Administration made it mandatory for cereal grains to be fortified with cereal grains, so Americans could get more of the vitamin.

What is folic acid?

Folate and folic acidare forms of vitamin B9 used for deficiency and to prevent pregnancy complications. Many foods contain folate or have folic acid added. Since 1998, folic acid has been added to cold cereals, flour, breads, pasta, bakery items, cookies, and crackers, as required by federal law.

Why is folic acid used in pregnancy?

People who are pregnantor might become pregnant take folic acid to prevent serious birth defects such as spina bifida.

What foods contain folic acid?

Since 1998, folic acid has been added to cold cereals, flour, breads, pasta, bakery items, cookies, and crackers, as required by federal law. Foods that are naturally high in folate include leafy vegetables (such as spinach, broccoli, and lettuce), okra, asparagus, fruits (such as bananas, melons, and lemons) beans, yeast, mushrooms, meat (such as beef liver and kidney ), orange juice, and tomato juice.

Can you take folic acid with methotrexate?

Taking folic acid pills along with methotrexate might decrease the effectiveness of methotrexate (MTX, Rheumatrex). Phenobarbital (Luminal) interacts with FOLIC ACID . Phenobarbital (Luminal) is used for seizures. Taking folic acid can decrease how well phenobarbital (Luminal) works for preventing seizures.

Is folic acid safe for children?

Another form of folic acid, L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate (L-5-MTHF), can also be found in supplements. This type of folic acid is possibly safe in children. Procedures to widen narrowed arteries (angioplasty): Using folic acid, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 might worsen narrowed arteries.

Can you take folate while pregnant?

Taking folate by mouth during pregnancy does not reduce the risk of this type of cancer in children. Weak and brittle bones (osteoporosis). In elderly individuals with osteoporosis, taking folic acid by mouth with vitamin B12 and/or vitamin B6 does not seem to prevent broken bones.

Does folic acid help with nausea?

Taking folic acid by mouthseems to reduce nausea and vomitingfrom methotrexate treatment. Birth defects of the brainand spine (neural tube birth defects). Consuming folic acid 600-800 mcg by mouth daily during pregnancy reduces the risk of these birth defects. Folic acid can come from the diet or supplements.

Why is folic acid important?

In particular, folic acid is important in the prevention of anemia and cardiovascular diseases, including stroke. It may also be able to prevent cognitive and neuropsychological diseases such as dementia, depression and Alzheimer's disease. Folic acid can prevent digestive system issues, like diarrhea.

What foods have folic acid?

Examples of foods rich in folate include: Asparagus: Four spears of asparagus contain 89 micrograms of folate. Avocado: Half a cup of avocado has 59 micrograms of folate.

What is the best vitamin for pregnant women?

Folic acid, best known for its ability to help prevent birth defects, is a vitamin that most women know they need to get enough of during pregnancy. However, this vitamin is an important nutrient for women at all stages of life.

Can you take too much folic acid?

However, taking folic acid supplements may lead to side effects, especially if you're taking too much folic acid. These side effects include fever, respiratory symptoms like wheezing and tightness of the chest and skin rashes.

Does folic acid help with diarrhea?

Folic acid can prevent digestive system issues, like diarrhea. It has also been linked to the prevention of a variety of different cancers, including bladder, breast, cervical, colorectal, esophageal, lung, ovarian, pancreatic and stomach cancer. Advertisement.

Is folic acid water soluble?

This vitamin is water-soluble, which means that it leaves the body when you urinate. Since folic acid isn't stored in the body, it's important to eat foods containing folic acid or take folic acid supplements regularly. Folate may be able to prevent or mediate a variety of health issues. In particular, folic acid is important in the prevention ...

Is folic acid good for women?

The benefits of folic acid for women are very well known. It essentially helps the body produce new cells and keep existing ones healthy. This vitamin is considered so important that in 1998, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration started adding folic acid into cereal and grain products, making it easier to consume folic acid foods. This vitamin is water-soluble, which means that it leaves the body when you urinate.

Why is folic acid important for pregnancy?

The nutrient is crucial during early pregnancy to reduce the risk of birth defects of the brain and spine.

What are the symptoms of folic acid?

Nausea. Loss of appetite. Confusion. Irritability. Sleep pattern disturbance. People with allergies might have a reaction to folic acid supplements. Warning signs of an allergic reaction include: Skin rash. Itching.

What is the recommended daily amount of folate for adults?

The recommended daily amount of folate for adults is 400 micrograms (mcg).

What drugs interact with folic acid?

Possible interactions include: Anticonvulsants. Taking folic acid with fosphenytoin (Cerebyx), phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek) or primidone (Mysoline) might decrease the drug's concentration in your blood. Barbiturates.

What fruits are rich in folate?

Fruits rich in folate include oranges, lemons, bananas, melons and strawberries. The synthetic form of folate is folic acid. It's in an essential component of prenatal vitamins and is in many fortified foods such as cereals and pastas. A diet lacking foods rich in folate or folic acid can lead to a folate deficiency.

Is it safe to take folate?

Generally safe. For most people, it's best to get folate from food. A balanced diet usually provides all you need. However, folic acid supplements are recommended for women who are planning to become pregnant, could become pregnant, are pregnant or are breast-feeding.

Does folic acid interfere with a drug?

Taking folic acid with a drug that acts as a central nervous system depressant (barbiturate) might decrease the drug's effectiveness. Methotrexate (Trexall). Taking folic acid with this medication used to treat cancer could interfere with its effectiveness. Pyrimethamine (Daraprim).

What is the purpose of folic acid?

It’s vital for the development of a fetus’ neural tube, the structure that results in the formation of the brain and spinal cord.

Why do prenatal vitamins have methylfolate?

Many prenatal vitamins use L-methylfolate instead of folic acid. The reason behind this is that many people have a genetic makeup that prevents them from converting folic acid into its active form in the body , L-methylfolate. If you see L-methylfolate on your prenatal vitamins, know that it’s folic acid. Some people are at a higher risk of having ...

Can you take folic acid while pregnant?

If your physician says you need more folic acid, choose a pure folic acid supplement instead of several multivitamins or prenatal vitamins. Prenatal vitamins and multivitamins contain other vitamins and minerals that can be harmful to pregnant women if taken in excess.

Does folic acid help with neural tube development?

The neural tube develops often before a woman may miss a period and realize she’s pregnant. Luckily, many enriched grain products in the U.S, such as breakfast cereals, pastas, bread and rice, are fortified with folic acid. Although eating foods fortified with folic acid is beneficial for your overall health, the folic acid you get ...

Can folic acid cause spina bifida?

Without adequate folic acid, the neural tube will not develop properly, which can result in spina bifida, a birth defect that can cause a range of physical and cognitive disabilities. “Folic acid deficiency in pregnant women can be detrimental to the health and development of their baby,” says Northwestern Medicine obstetrician-gynecologist ...

Is L-methylfolate folic acid?

If you see L-methylfolate on your prenatal vitamins, know that it’s folic acid. Some people are at a higher risk of having a child with a neural tube defect. You are at a higher risk if you: Were born with a neural tube defect. Have had a previous child with a neural tube defect.

Is folic acid good for hair?

Folic acid is good for any cells that rapidly divide and grow, which is why it’s also great for the health of your hair, skin and nails. “I can’t emphasize enough the importance of taking a multivitamin for all women of reproductive age,” says Dr. Krupka.

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