The Importance Of Folic Acid And Folate For Women

Pregnant women are often advised to take folic acid as it prevents neural tube anomalies like anencephaly and spina bifida.However, a new research has proved that it has many more benefits. Experts believe that folic acid may also help to avoid Alzheimer’s disease, some cancers and loss of hearing.

What is folic acid?

Folic acid is an artificial type of folate, which is a B vitamin. Vitamin pills and supplements contain folic acid. Foods like fruits and beans are readily available sources of folate.

Folic acid keeps your blood cells and circulatory systems fit. Without it, red blood cells would find it difficult to carry oxygen all through the body. This may eventually lead to the accumulation of homocysteine, a liquid that may cause brain degeneration, cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis.

Signs of a folic acid deficiency

Signs and symptoms that help to detect folic acid deficiency are:

* Muscle fatigue

* Irritability

* Lack of memory or confusion

* Insomnia

* Depression

* Anemia

* Gingivitis or periodontal disease

Deficiency of folic acid gives rise to problems like dementia, restless leg syndrome, depression and forgetfulness.

Are you at risk for a folic acid deficiency?

Anyone can suffer from deficiency of folic acid if he/she doesn’t take a multivitamin every day.

Lactating/Pregnant Women: Lactating mothers and pregnant women need more folic acid everyday as compared to any other group.

Digestive diseases: As our body takes time to absorb folic acid or folate, people whose digestive system don’t work properly have a higher chance of becoming folate deficient. People with irritable bowel syndrome, celiac disease or Crohn’s should consult their nutritionist or physician for the intake of suitable supplements.

Medication users: Treatments for some particular diseases like Type 2 diabetes, epilepsy, liver disease, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and kidney disease influence the body’s power to absorb folic acid. After considering your medications, your physician may recommend to increase the daily dose of folic acid.

Recommended daily dose of folic acid

You won’t be able to get excessive amounts of folate from food. However, you can use supplements to get adequate amounts of folic acid. According to scientists, men and women aged 19 years and above should have a daily intake of a maximum of  1000 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid.

Recent Articles

Weight Loss Pills Can Be Dangerous
Overweight women are always desperate to find out ways to get rid of the chunks of lard that has deposited on their bodies.


Symptoms of Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism
Most people have a lot of doubts surrounding thyroid problems, especially in terms of its two different type’s hyperthyroidism


5 Foods for a Healthy Heart
It’s no secret that to have a healthy heart you must eat well. So here we have a list of 5 heart healthy foods


Is Coffee Good for Health
Till so far most of us were told that drinking coffee is damaging for the health, however we must thank the American Heart Association


Abortion Can Cause Fertility Problems in Future
There has been a lot of rhetoric propaganda surrounding the issue of abortion. There are religious and social beliefs that go against

What's More today?

Symptoms of Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism

Most people have a lot of doubts surrounding thyroid problems, especially in terms of its two different... 

5 Foods for a Healthy Heart

It’s no secret that to have a healthy heart you must eat well. So here we have a list of 5 heart healthy... 

Is Coffee Good for Health

Till so far most of us were told that drinking coffee is damaging for the health, however we must thank... 

Cystic Acne: The Most Troublesome Acne Type

Nearly every teenager experiences the problem of acne to some extent, and while in most cases the problem... 

Abortion Can Cause Fertility Problems in Future

There has been a lot of rhetoric propaganda surrounding the issue of abortion. There are religious and... 

How Effective is Tubal Ligation for Birth Control

Tubal ligation or surgical sterilization is a permanent birth control measure which involves the tying... 

Can A Teenager Get Pregnant Before The Onset of Menstrual Cycle

Whether we want to or not, we have to accept it that today’s teenagers rush in for sex way to early.... 

Is Spotting and Bleeding Normal During The Second Trimester of Pregnancy

Most pregnant women experience occasional bleeding or spotting when they are still in their first trimester,... 

High Cholesterol Can Lead to Sexual Dysfunction

The secret to a rocking sex life lies in the heart. Of course emotional bonding is important for a gratifying... 

What Are Your Risks of Getting a Heart Problem

Heart problems have become so increasingly common that there is nearly one heart patient in every other... 

Yeast Infections During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is one time, when you may experience certain problems you may never have had earlier, and vaginal... 

Exercising During The First Trimester of Your Pregnancy

Whenever a woman becomes pregnant she is in a state of dilemma as to what all she must do and what all... 

Boredom- The Silent Killer

It may have been a common issue with lot of people in childhood that when they felt bored and conveyed... 

Putting A Toddler To Sleep – A Daunting Task

Issues with proper sleeping are quite common in developing toddlers. The problems are diverse from sleeping... 

Food Tantrums In Children

More than eighty percent of parents who have growing kids have to fight a grave battle while feeding...