While many women know that taking folic acid during pregnancy can prevent major birth defects, folic acid is not just for women. Folic acid, a B vitamin, plays a key role in several body functions and is important for men, as well. While you can usually get enough folic acid by eating a balanced diet, you can also take dietary supplements, though you should consult a health-care provider before deciding to take any pill or supplement.
Folate vs Folic Acid
According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, a part of the National Institutes of Health, folic acid is the synthetic form of folate, a B vitamin naturally found in various plants. Folic acid is available in supplement form and found in some foods after they've been fortified or had folic acid added to them. Men can typically get enough folic acid by ingesting foods such as spinach, beans, rice and other vegetables.
Folate and Cell Growth
Folate plays an important role in your body's ability to produce new cells and maintain the cells you currently have. While women need more folate during pregnancy because the fetus is constantly growing and making new cells, men also need it to maintain optimum health. The United States Department of Agriculture recommends that men aged 14 and above should ingest 400 mcg of folate per day.
Blood Health
Folate is also important for men as it plays a key part in your body's ability to make new red blood cells, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements. If your body doesn't make enough blood cells, this can lead to anemia. Anemia is a medical condition in which which your body is unable to, through the red blood cells, get enough oxygen to your organs. Typical symptoms of anemia include fatigue, headache, pale skin and dizziness.
Other Health Issues
According to the United States Department of Agriculture, folate is also associated with heart disease and cancer. Folate is important for reducing the presence of homocysteine, a naturally occurring compound your body makes. Folate acts to reduce the level of homocysteine, and not getting enough can cause elevated levels. Elevated levels of homocysteine are associated with increased risks of heart disease, cancer and osteoporosis.
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