Folic acid is one of the B vitamins and it is necessary for the production of red blood cells and normal metabolism. It is an important vitamin for pregnant women as it can prevent the occurrence of birth defects and prevents infant spinal cord defects – for example Spina bifida.
Folic acid may also help other conditions such as depression, schizophrenia, arthrosclerosis, heart disease, and diarrhea. It can also be helpful in treating epilepsy gingivitis, gout, and cancer – the risk of getting it is reduced.
Folic Acid Benefits
One of the best benefits of Folic Acid is for women who are trying to fall pregnant, and those who are pregnant. Folic Acid helps with the healthy development of the fetus, and can help to prevent conditions such as spina bifida and other neural tube defects that are known as devastating conditions.
To be honest, folic acid benefits go much further than just pregnancy. Folic Acid helps with keeping your heart healthy. The nutrient helps lower homocysteine levels; having high homocysteine impairs blood vessels, which, results in the arteries being vulnerable to the formation of plaque.
This can lead to a higher risk of one getting heart disease. It also known that, people who have trouble with depression, may find folic acid helpful because depression is associated with raised levels of homocysteine.
Further Folic Acid benefits in clued a feeling of energy, and it is known that this nutrient may help counter and combat Alzheimer’s disease.
Precautions
Folic acid can have some serious side effects if to much is taken every day. Dangerous levels of consumption are between 5,000 to 10,000 mcg. The RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance) stands at 400 mcg per day, however certain people (especially pregnant women, those trying to conceive and the elderly) may need more of this particular nutrient in their diets.
Another point people need to consider is that taking Folic Acidi as a supplement can hide serious deficiency symptoms of vitamin B12 (anemia). Take a look at this we came cross in the following encyclopedia “New Encyclopedia Vitamins, Minerals, Supplements, & Herbs” by Nicola Reavley “Large amounts of folic acid can mask anemia caused by Vitamin B12 deficiency. Although this is rare, in some cases it may lead to permanent nerve damage.” pg. 108
Because of this statement, the author of the book advises that people with anemia should not take more than 400 mcg of folic acid per day unless pernicious amenia is first ruled out by your doctor.
Some people suggest that Folic Acid should not be consumed as a stand alone supplement and taken with vitamin B12 or as part of a more comprehensive formula where not only b12 are used, but other important vitamins, minerals, herbs, and amino acids.
Lets take a look at an example from, Reader’s Digest book “The Healing Power of Vitamins, Minerals, and Herbs” contains: Buy a folic acid supplement that also contains vitamin B12 (too much of one can mask a deficiency in the other).” pg 293
A deficiency of folic acid could cause some Anemias. The side effects of Folic Acid are rare and are normally due to taking high dosages of the nutrient. If any change occurs after starting a regimen of folic acid, contact your physician immediately. If necessary, go to an emergency facility for evaluation.
Precautions and allergic reactions from Folic Acid
Allergic reactions however, can be serious. Some signs of severe allergic reactions include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, and breathing difficulties. If you note anything that is not usual for you, seek medical attention right away.
Pregnant women and breast feeding mothers should consult their doctors before using this nutrient.
In recent news, reported is a unique piece of information that has been put out there that may be of interest to women who want to get pregnant. Folic acid, when taken after fertility treatment (invitro fertilization) may raise the odds of producing twins. While this is possible with other fertility treatments, it has been recently found to occur with folic acid.
Our Opinion
We believe many vitamins are best consumed through food sources; however, Folic Acid is not one of these nutrients. The nutrient is easily destroyed and the value of the nutrient is lessened by cooking or storage. On top of this, the human body doesn’t store the nutrient for very long. This is why we need to take this nutrient daily to keep on top. Because of what we have said, many experts suggest that supplements should be incorporated in to ones diet for one of the best sources of folic acid benefits, and also, for those people who need more of this nutrient.
There are still good food sources for Folic Acid however, which include, whole grains, various beans, and green vegetables.
On a final note, many foods today are fortified with this vitamin, although they are not the best sources and are far from natural sources.
Our Tips For Obtaining The Best Folic Acid Benefits
1. Nutritional have become unregulated. Studies have shown that consumers of health products only have a 1 in 5 chance of buying a product with the amount of ingredients stated on the label. Also, Products have been found to have dangerous contaminates in them.
Because of this, you should choose a manufacturer that is pharmaceutical GMP compliant. Such places comply with the most stringent manufacturing standards. This ensures you get a product with the stated ingredients, and also, ensures that there are no contaminants within your chosen product