Folic acid, or vitamin B-9, has become relatively well known for its ability to dramatically reduce the incidence of neural tube defects in newborns, which is why it is recommended for women wanting to conceive. However, folic acid supplements can also reduce the production of homocysteine within arteries and lower blood pressure, which has been proven in studies of men. Folic acid is one of the most bioactive vitamins, and it is essential for a healthy body.
Folic Acid
Folic acid is required to synthesize, repair and methylate DNA, which is crucial for cellular division and growth, especially for a developing fetus. Folic acid is also needed for metabolic functions and for the production of red blood cells in bone marrow, although vitamin B-12 serves similar functions and deficiency in one can be countered by sufficient levels of the other. Although folic acid is water-soluble, it is stored in the body, so a deficiency can take a few months to manifest. According to the Office of Dietary Supplements of the National Institutes of Health, men should be consuming at least 400 mcg of folic acid daily.
Blood Pressure
Blood pressure is the measurement of the pressure within your arteries, and it is divided into systolic and diastolic pressures. According to MedlinePlus, systolic pressure is the measure of force when your heart contracts or beats, whereas diastolic pressure is the force between beats while your heart is at rest. When your blood pressure is measured, two numbers are given, with the systolic pressure over the diastolic pressure. Healthy blood pressure is around 120 over 70, while pressures greater than 135 over 85 are usually considered too high, or hypertensive. High blood pressure is considered a primary risk factor for cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack and stroke.
Blood Pressure and Folic Acid
According to an Australian study published in the July 2005 issue of "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition," 5 mg of folic acid given daily to men for three weeks reduced their systolic pressure by nearly 5 points, or mm Hg. Forty-one men with normal and high blood pressure were tested, and the researchers concluded that folic acid is a safe and effective supplement that targets large artery stiffness, and it may prevent isolated systolic hypertension. Furthermore, folic acid is known to reduce plasma levels of homocysteine, which harms arteries and makes them susceptible to atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis, or hardened and clogged arteries, is a primary cause of high blood pressure and a major risk factor for heart attack and stroke.
Dosage
Folic acid is the term given to vitamin B-9 supplements, whereas folate refers to the natural form of B-9 found in food sources. The equivalent dose of 400 mcg of folic acid is almost 700 mcg of folate. Rich sources of folate include green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, dried beans, peas and beef liver.
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