Description

Folic acid is a type of B vitamin that is also called synthetic form of folate. It’s not found naturally in food but often added to processed foods and used in multivitamin-mineral supplements. However, folic acid must be converted into active vitamin B9, known as 5-MTHF, before it is consumed by the body. Synthetic folic acid is not a required nutrient, the average adult needs 400 mcg of dietary folate equivalents per day, while pregnant women require 600 mcg per day.

Health benefits

• • It helps the body to make new red blood cells and transport oxygen to different parts of the body. Thereby reducing symptoms of anemia like fatigue, weakness, and a pale complexion. ⁽¹⁾ 
• Folate is also important for the synthesis and repair of DNA and other genetic material, and it is necessary for cell division. ⁽¹⁾ 
• Some research suggests that taking folic acid before and during early pregnancy could reduce the chances of autism. ⁽¹⁾ 
• A sufficient amount of folic acid is very important to prevent the onset of neural tube defects in the newborns. ⁽¹⁾ 
• High intakes of folic acid may protect against certain cancers, including those of the breast, gut, lung, and pancreas. ⁽²⁾ 
• It helps to lower homocysteine levels because it’s required in the process of converting homocysteine into another molecule called methionine. ⁽²⁾