Folic acid is also known as vitamin B9 or folate. Folic acid is important for tissue growth, cells development, and healthy brain development. It is a vital element for cell division, which is necessary for producing the genetic material, the DNA. Here we review folic acid benefits, importance of folic acid along with its side effects.

Health benefits

1. Folic Acid For Pregnancy

Folic acid is quite helpful during the preconception period and pregnancy as well. This is widely used to prevent any birth defects, enhance the fetus development, and increase the chances of conceiving. Women who want to conceive are recommended daily vitamin supplements for adequate intake of folic acid. Expectant mothers need to begin taking supplements of folic acid during pregnancy period. However, the folic acid supplements should be taken as per the dose advised by the doctor or a medical practitioner.

2. Depression

Folic acid is used to cure depression and enhance mood regulation. An adequate folate level is necessary for proper brain functioning.

3. Digestion

Folic acid works with vitamin B12 and vitamin C to help the body utilize and digest proteins.

4. Acne

Folic acid, with other important antioxidants, helps in eliminating toxins from the body, which can reduce acne on the face. But, we should also note that the overdose of folic acid can lead to more acne, patchy and dry skin.

5. Hair Growth

Folic acid plays an important role in hair growth. It renews the cells that aid the growth of hair. Folic acid deficiency can lead to premature graying and hair loss.

6. Red Blood Cells

Folic acid has an important function in red blood cells. White blood cells are also produced with the help of folate supplements.

7. Healthy Glow

The proper intake of folic acid can give one’s skin a natural, healthy, and moisturized glow.

8. Heart Disease

Folic acid, along with vitamin B12, helps the heart in many ways. They help reduce blood clotting; blood clots lead to cardiovascular disease. Hence, it helps reduce the chances of heart attacks.

9. Cancer

Folic acid can prevent the cancer cells from multiplying. You can be protected from colon cancer by consuming folic acid supplements. It can also help prevent cervical cancer and pancreatic cancer.

10. Firm Skin

Folic acid helps improve the firmness of the human skin. It also helps reduce the signs of skin aging.

11. Alzheimer's

Adequate amounts of folic acid may help the patients suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. Folic acid also helps in preventing memory loss due to aging.

12. Diabetes

Folic acid can reduce the fat content in the blood. This may help in handling obesity and thus, prevent type 2 diabetes.

13. Male Fertility

Folic acid is also important for dads-to-be. It helps in conception by correcting the sperm counts and motility.

14. Gum Infection

Folic acid can be directly applied to the gum to cure gum infections.

15. Anemia

Anemia is an extremely common problem now, affecting all, starting from the kids to the elderly people. Women are especially prone to becoming anemic because they tend to ignore their own diet and health issues.

If you feel tired all the time and look pale and feel dizzy often, you should get yourself checked for anemia. Other symptoms include difficulty in breathing, pain in the chest, headaches and palpitations. Both iron and folic acid not only prevent, but also cure anemia. As you already know, iron is needed for the formation of red blood cells. Similarly, folate also helps Vitamin B12 in the formation of RBCs. Make sure to take your required daily intake of iron and folic acid to get enough blood pumping through your veins.

16. Menstruation

Some women lose a lot of blood during these days. If you experience heavy flow during periods and feel more exhausted, then the reason might be the deficiency of iron and folic acid. Taking foods rich in iron and folic acid will help improve the condition. You can consult with your doctor if you need supplements.