Folic acid is a synthetic form of folate, which is a B vitamin found in foods such as beans and green, leafy vegetables. The body cannot absorb or use folate as efficiently as it can process folic acid. Vitamin supplements containing folic acid are the best way to obtain this essential nutrient, which plays many important roles in human health. Adequate folic acid intake is especially important among women of childbearing age.
Folic Acid to Prevent Birth Defects
Daily intake of a multivitamin containing folic acid improves reproductive health in women. Girls and women who could become pregnant can protect their health and increase chances of a normal pregnancy by taking folic acid on a daily basis. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, folic acid can lower the risk of major birth defects such as spina bifida and anencephaly by 50 to 70 percent. These birth defects affect the brain and spine and can often result in permanent disability and even death of the newborn. Folic acid may also lower the risk of other birth defects such as heart problems, cleft palate and cleft lip.
Other Health Benefits of Folic Acid
Folic acid is also important for men, children and women who are not planning on a pregnancy. It aids the creation of new cells, which occurs on a daily basis in the blood and in different parts of the body, such as the skin and hair. Folic acid also helps the body build and maintain DNA. According to the American Cancer Society, a low level of folic acid in the blood is associated with an elevated risk of colorectal cancer. A 2008 study funded by the National Institutes of Health found that an adequate intake of folic acid among healthy, non-smoking males could improve fertility and reduce the risk of abnormalities in sperm. The CDC recommends a daily intake of 400 micrograms of folic acid for all adults and especially women of childbearing age.
Folic Acid Intake among Women
Women who do not plan on becoming pregnant must also consume the recommended daily dosage of folic acid. This is because serious neural tube defects caused by folic acid deficiency occur in the early stages of pregnancy, when a woman could be unaware that she has conceived. The CDC says that half of the pregnancies in America are unplanned and it is best to protect yourself by taking folic acid supplements. Women who are planning on a pregnancy must start taking folic acid at least one month before conceiving. Women who have had one baby with a neural tube defect have a greater risk of another abnormal pregnancy. In such cases, doctors often prescribe a higher dosage of folic acid before and during later pregnancies.
Risks of Excessive Intake
You must not consume more than one multivitamin or exceed the recommended dosage of folic acid without the approval of your doctor. This can be harmful for pregnant women and developing fetuses. In other people, excess folic acid usually does not cause problems, because it is eliminated with urine. However, too much folic acid can cover up signs of vitamin B12 deficiency, which can lead to damage in the nervous system.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Folic Acid - Questions and Answers; March 10, 2011
- ActNowBC: The Importance of Folic Acid
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Facts About Folic Acid; March 10, 2011
- U.K. National Health Service: Folic acid 'boosts sperm'
- American Cancer Society; Folic Acid; July 3, 2011
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