Folic acid is an essential vitamin for our diets. Folic acid, also called vitamin B9, is a water-soluble vitamin that plays many important roles in the body. Folic acid helps prevent anemia, promote fetal growth, reduce cardiovascular disease risk, enhance immunity, and improve cognitive function.
Guardian of anemia prevention
Folic acid prevents anemia. It helps make red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen around the body. If you don’t have enough folic acid, you can’t make enough red blood cells. This can cause megaloblastic anemia. This can cause tiredness, weakness, and dizziness or heart palpitations. Eating a little folic acid helps prevent anemia and keeps our bodies healthy.
Promote Fetal Growth and Development
Mothers need folic acid to help their babies grow. Folic acid helps the fetus develop its brain and spine. The neural tube forms the fetal brain and spinal cord. Not getting enough folic acid during pregnancy can cause birth defects. Pregnant women should take extra folic acid during pregnancy to reduce risks.
Improvement of cardiovascular health
Folic acid also helps with heart health. Folic acid helps reduce levels of homocysteine in the blood, which is linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Folic acid may help prevent heart disease and stroke. Folate is important for middle-aged and elderly people to keep their hearts healthy.
Enhances immunity
It also helps the immune system work properly. It helps keep immune cells working properly, so the body is less likely to get sick. During flu season, a moderate intake of folic acid can help us fight off viruses.
Enhances Cognitive Function
Some studies show that folic acid may improve cognitive function. It helps make neurotransmitters and keep brain cells healthy. This helps memory and learning. For older adults, folic acid may help slow cognitive decline and keep the brain sharp.
Caution
Too much folic acid can be harmful. So, when taking folic acid supplements, follow your doctor’s advice on how much to take. People in certain groups (like pregnant women and the elderly) may need to pay more attention to how much folic acid they take and where it comes from.
