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Last Updated: Feb 16, 2023
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Folic Acid - Know Its Importance!

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Dr. Atul ThaparSexologist • 28 Years Exp.MBBS, DA - Anaesthesiology
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Folic acid, also commonly referred to as folate, is an indispensable nutrient needed by the human body. It is important in the production of new cells and is also necessary for the synthesis of DNA, RNA, and amino acids. However, many people in developed countries such as the United Kingdom (UK) do not tend to consume enough B9 vitamins through their usual diets. As a result, folic acid supplements are now widely available there. Furthermore, this article will shed some light on the importance of folic acid for maintaining overall good health and wellbeing.

In other words, folic acid is one of the most important components in our body, and it is a vital component of the vitamin B complex. Folic acid is also very important for female reproduction, and it helps in the growth of babies in the womb. However, a deficiency of this vitamin can give rise to some serious health issues or diseases in both men and women.

You must know that the B9 vitamin, folic acid, basically helps your body make healthy and fresh red blood cells and further helps prevent anemia and other blood disorders. But were you aware of the fact that folic acid is good for more than just the blood? It's an important nutrient for the brain, bones, and nerves. And, with newer research, it's also been linked to heart health. Like all B vitamins, folic acid is water-soluble, which means your body will flush out any extra through urine, so you don't have to worry about overdoing it. Furthermore, you must read the following information very carefully to understand why folic acid is essential for your body.

Folic Acid Makes and Repairs DNA

There are numerous minerals and vitamins that are absolutely essential for our overall health and well-being. Vitamin B9, which is even referred to as folic acid at times, is one of them. If you have to have a low intake of folic acid, it can cause serious health problems. We can get folic acid through our diet, but it is also available as a vitamin supplement. However, you need to be careful and consult your healthcare provider before taking it, as there are certain conditions where you should not take this vitamin. Moreover, folic acid is a type of B vitamin. It is very important for many body functions, including the making as well as repairing of DNA. The production of folic acid by the body is under the control of the hormone called pregnenolone. The natural production of pregnenolone is limited by the availability of its downstream substrates, which are amino acids. Therefore, supplementation with amino acids, which are precursors of pregnenolone production, is a crucial necessity.

Why Is It Essential for Pregnant Women?

Did you know the important role folate, or folic acid, plays during pregnancy? Yet, it's really important to be aware of this essential vitamin's role in your overall health. Not only does it help make and repair DNA and RNA, but it is also needed for the metabolism of amino acids. Folic acid, which is a B vitamin, also plays an important role in the growth, development and function of the lining of the uterus. It also helps maintain healthy cell growth, especially in the brain and spinal cord. In other words, folic acid is extremely important for a developing baby. It is essential for fending off neural tube defects as well. It is also vital for the brain development of the baby as it aids the growth of the baby's brain as well as its nervous system.

It Can Protect You from Diseases like Cancer

Folic acid is a water-soluble B vitamin that's essential for making DNA and RNA, the genetic material in all cells. Folic acid is essential for different parts or functions of your body. For example, it plays a pivotal role in making and maintaining new cells for hair, skin, and nails. It also helps red blood cells and the body to make healthy new cells. Apart from this, folic acid is also helpful in preventing changes to DNA that can further lead to serious health issues or diseases, such as cancer. Furthermore, it must be brought to your knowledge that folic acid can be naturally found in foods such as leafy green vegetables and is also added to fortified grains and cereals. It is available in the form of a dietary supplement as well.

Who Should Take Folic Acid Supplements?

The body needs folic acid to make new cells and repair existing ones. This is why it is important to get enough folic acid in your diet. If you are trying to get pregnant, it is important to get folic acid before conception and during early pregnancy. If you are already an expectant mother, you need 400 micrograms of folic acid each day to help protect your growing baby against birth defects of the brain and spine. It is also important to note that your body needs folic acid to make DNA, RNA, and new cells. Women who are planning to get pregnant should take a supplement containing folic acid. Women who are already pregnant should ask their doctors about folic acid supplements and take them accordingly.

Let’s Conclude!

In a nutshell, folic acid is one of the most important B-complex vitamins. Without it, you can't make DNA, RNA, or new cells. This means that you will have a hard time making new blood cells, including red blood cells, which carry oxygen through the bloodstream. This is why folic acid is such an important nutrient for patients suffering from anemia. If you have anemia, it is important that you add enough folic acid to your daily diet. A diet high in folic acid is also important to help reduce the risk of neural tube defects, including spina bifida, in babies. Try to get 400 micrograms of folic acid a day. In many cases, this can help reduce the symptoms of anemia as well as help prevent neural tube defects in babies. Furthermore, we hope that this article was helpful to you. Please feel free to share your views with us!

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