{"id":232231,"date":"2020-09-08T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2020-09-08T07:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gymbeam.com\/blog\/?p=232231"},"modified":"2021-03-18T15:56:40","modified_gmt":"2021-03-18T14:56:40","slug":"folic-acid-why-is-it-essential-to-know-its-importance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gymbeam.com\/blog\/folic-acid-why-is-it-essential-to-know-its-importance\/","title":{"rendered":"Folic Acid – Why Is It Essential to Know Its Importance?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Folic acid<\/strong> is a synthetic form of folate,<\/strong> in both cases it is a name for vitamin B9.<\/strong> Folate is very important for humans and especially for pregnant women,<\/strong> because it fundamentally contributes to the prevention of congenital disorders of the child.<\/strong> In the article, you will find out more about the sources of folate,<\/strong> its benefits<\/strong> and other interesting information<\/strong> related to vitamin B9.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Folic acid \u2013 Folate \u2013 Vitamin B9<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Folic acid <\/strong>is a well-known name for one of the B-group vitamins, more specifically vitamin B9.<\/strong> Another name is folate<\/strong>, but folate and folic acid are not exactly the same.<\/strong> Folate<\/strong> is a form of vitamin B9 found naturally in foods<\/strong> and folic acid<\/strong> is its synthetic form.<\/strong> The term folate is a generic name<\/strong> and refers to several forms of vitamin B9,<\/strong> including folic acid, tetrahydrofolate (THF)<\/strong> or dihydrofolate (DHF).<\/strong> Folic acid is a synthetic form of folate<\/strong>present in nutritional supplements<\/strong> or enriched foods.<\/strong> Whether folate or folic acid, their effects on the body are the same.<\/strong> Taking folic acid is especially recommended for pregnant women,<\/strong> but the benefits of vitamin B9 do not end there. In addition to supporting pregnancy,<\/strong> it is also useful for depression<\/strong> or memory loss.<\/strong> [1] [33] [34]<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Folic<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

The importance of folate <\/strong>for the human body was discovered by Dr. Lucy Wills<\/strong> in 1931.<\/strong> The scientist demonstrated that brewer\u2019s yeast can prevent anemia during pregnancy.<\/strong> Folate and its importance have therefore been known for almost 100 years. [31]<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Functions of folate in the body<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Folate<\/strong> is important for the body for several reasons, it helps the function of cells and tissue growth.<\/strong> It is useful for the prevention of anemia<\/strong>because it contributes to the production of red blood cells,<\/strong> but together with vitamins B12 and C<\/strong> it promotes the breakdown, use and production of new proteins.<\/strong> Last but not least, it contributes to the production of DNA,<\/strong> which is responsible for genetic information. [32]<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Natural sources of folic acid<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Folic acid is found in the form of folate in a variety of foods and is part of many nutritional supplements. It is a component of multivitamins<\/a>, b-complexes<\/a>and you can also buy it in a separate form. If you prefer natural sources of vitamin B9, you will find several examples in the table supplemented by its content [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] [11] [12] [13]<\/span>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/th>FOLATE CONTENT IN 100 G<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Liver (chicken, raw)<\/td>588 \u03bcg<\/td><\/tr>
Chickpeas (raw)<\/td>557 \u03bcg<\/td><\/tr>
Liver (beef, raw)<\/td>290 \u03bcg<\/td><\/tr>
Pea (ripe, log, raw)<\/td>274 \u03bcg<\/td><\/tr>
Liver (pork, raw)<\/td>212 \u03bcg<\/td><\/tr>
Spinach (raw)<\/td>194 \u03bcg<\/td><\/tr>
Pea (green, raw)<\/td>65 \u03bcg<\/td><\/tr>
Broccoli (raw)<\/td>63 \u03bcg<\/td><\/tr>
Brussels sprouts (raw)<\/td>61 \u03bcg<\/td><\/tr>
Cabbage (raw)<\/td>43 \u03bcg<\/td><\/tr>
Cabbage (red, raw)<\/td>18 \u03bcg<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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\"Folic<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Benefits of taking folic acid<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Folic acid and pregnancy<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The consumption of folic acid is most popular thanks to its importance before and during pregnancy<\/strong>, as it prevents congenital defects of the brain and spinal cord.<\/strong> The child\u2019s congenital defects occur in the first trimester, more precisely in the first 3-4 weeks of pregnancy.<\/strong> For this reason, it is important to take folic acid not only during pregnancy,<\/strong> but at least one month before getting pregnant.<\/strong> [15]<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Folic<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Congenital defects of the central nervous system<\/strong> have a common name \u2013 neural tube defects<\/strong> (NTD). These are abnormalities in the brain, spinal cord<\/strong> or spine<\/strong> that occur during embryogenesis \u2013 the development of the embryo.<\/strong> During fetal development, the brain, spine, and spinal cord are formed from the neural tube. The above-mentioned defects occur due to the failure of the process of closing it.<\/strong> Simply put, defects occur when a certain part of the tube is not closed, which can result in, for example, a hole in the spinal cord. Neuroepithelium is subject to neuronal deficiency and degeneration because it is exposed to the environment. [17] [18]<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Intake of folic acid<\/strong> before and during pregnancy is a prevention against the development<\/strong> of most of these defects.<\/strong> It should also be added that the exact reasons for neural tube defects<\/strong> are not known. However, the risk<\/strong> of these errors increases with obesity,<\/strong> certain medication for seizures<\/strong> or poorly controlled diabetes. <\/strong>[19]<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Complications associated with adequate neural tube development<\/strong> are not the only problems during pregnancy that folic acid supplementation can solve. It is important to reduce<\/strong> the potential risk of heart irregularity, cleft palate,<\/strong> or premature birth.<\/strong> The consumption of folic acid is therefore useful in preventing several of the complications associated with optimal fetal development. Although it is not a universal remedy for these disorders, its role is certainly not negligible. [16]<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Benefits<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

We know that reading about serious defects<\/strong> in a child\u2019s development is challenging and unpleasant.<\/strong> However, there is no cure<\/strong> for congenital neural tube defects, although there is treatment to prevent further complications. Nerve damage is permanent,<\/strong> and if folic acid can reduce the risk of its development, its awareness-raising is crucial.<\/strong> [19]<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Folic acid and cardiovascular diseases<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The effect of folic acid does not end in promoting optimal fetal growth during pregnancy. It can also be beneficial in the prevention of heart and vascular diseases.<\/strong> These are associated with high levels of homocysteine,<\/strong> with folate<\/strong> playing an important role in its metabolism.<\/strong> In addition to folic acid, vitamin B6 and B12<\/strong> also control the normal levels of homocysteine \u200b\u200bin the blood. The hypothesis of reducing the risk of heart disease<\/strong> has been investigated and appears to have an impact on the risk of stroke.<\/strong> The results of a study showed that the consumption of folic acid<\/strong> in women with a risk of heart disease did not reduce the risk.<\/strong> There are several conclusions from studies showing that homocysteine \u200b\u200blevels decreased, but without affecting the risk of cardiovascular disease. The consumption of folic acid and other B-group vitamins has a positive effect<\/strong> on the risk of stroke,<\/strong>unfortunately, this probably does not apply to other cardiovascular problems. [20] [21] [22]<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The effect of folic acid on cancer<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Several scientific studies suggest the effect of folate on certain types of cancer,<\/strong> such as lung, pancreatic, breast<\/strong> or bladder cancer.<\/strong> The effect <\/strong>of folate on carcinogenesis has not yet<\/strong> been precisely scientifically verified.<\/strong> According to some evidence, folate is beneficial in suppressing the early stages<\/strong> of certain types of cancer<\/strong>. However, after the development of preneoplastic lesions, higher doses of folic acid had the opposite effect<\/strong> and, conversely, supported its course. Although the appropriate use of folic acid may have a positive effect in certain cases, it is also necessary to further investigate and understand the relationship between folic acid and cancer. [20]<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Autism spectrum disorders and folic acid<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Autism, or more specifically autism spectrum disorder,<\/strong> has several symptoms. These are problems with communication and \u201cfunctioning\u201d with people,<\/strong> but they are also characterized, for example, by repetitive behavior. Some observational studies point to a link between the lower risk of autism spectrum disorder<\/strong> in children and folic acid consumption<\/strong> before and during pregnancy. Although further research is needed<\/strong> to confirm and validate the conclusions, scientific evidence suggests a possible link between folic acid intake and the risk of this disorder. As a result, scientists are not yet able to unequivocally confirm the direct impact, but we may see better evidence in the future. [20]<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Folic acid deficiency<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As with other micronutrients, if folic acid is insufficient in the diet<\/strong>, it can also lead to its deficiency.<\/strong> In addition, it can cause another complication,<\/strong>which is anemia.<\/strong> It is a condition associated with low levels of red blood cells.<\/strong> Anemia causes a low hemoglobin content,<\/strong> which can result in a lack of oxygen<\/strong> to organs and tissues. You can boost folate levels in your body by changing your diet<\/strong> or supplementing<\/strong> the folic acid<\/a>. [27] [28]<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The best way to verify the level of folic acid in your body is to see a doctor and have a blood test.<\/strong> Although the signs of folate deficiency are less clear, we still show the symptoms of folate deficiency and anemia [27] [35]<\/span>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Symptoms of folate deficiency:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  • fatigue<\/li>
  • swelling of the tongue and mouth ulcers<\/li>
  • gray hair<\/li>
  • growth problems<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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    Symptoms of anemia:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    • fatigue and weakness<\/li>
    • shortness of breath<\/li>
    • pale skin<\/li>
    • irritability<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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      Folate deficiency can be the result not only of an incomplete diet, but also of other factors [27] [29] [30]<\/span>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      • Excessive alcohol consumption<\/strong> \u2013 causes problems with its absorption and excessive urinary excretion of folate.<\/li>
      • Malabsorption<\/strong> \u2013 insufficient absorption of folate<\/strong> caused by diseases affecting the digestive tract,<\/strong> such as celiac disease<\/strong> or Crohn\u2019s disease.<\/strong><\/li>
      • Drug Use<\/strong> \u2013 Folate deficiency may be due to the use of certain medications to treat epilepsy.<\/strong><\/li>
      • Genetics<\/strong> \u2013 even a genetic mutation<\/strong> can be a reason for deficiency because it prevents the conversion<\/strong> to a usable form \u2013 methyl folate.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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        \"Lack<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

        Recommended doses of folic acid<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

        Folic acid is one of the B-group vitamins, its intake is important, but at the same time it does not need to be exaggerated. It is true that dietary folate intake<\/strong> has no adverse effects,<\/strong> but intake above 800 \u03bcg<\/strong> in people under 18 and 1000 \u03bcg<\/strong> in adults can \u201cmask\u201d vitamin B12 deficiency.<\/strong> In the case of folic acid supplementation, remember that the daily limit is 1000 \u03bcg.<\/strong> At the same time, it is interesting that folic acid is compulsorily added to foods<\/strong> in several countries around the world. For example, in the USA, 140 \u03bcg of folic acid<\/strong> is added per 100 g of enriched cereal grain products.<\/strong> The reason is to provide 100-200 \u03bcg<\/strong> of folic acid per day for women of childbearing age.<\/strong> Mandatory programs to enrich foods with folic acid are also available in Canada, Chile,<\/strong> or South Africa.<\/strong> [23] [24] [25]<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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