Folic acid, also known as vitamin B9, is the synthetic version of folate and is vital for maintaining everyday health and well-being. From supporting prenatal development to red blood cell growth and contributing to cardiovascular performance, folic acid plays a vital role in many of your body’s key functions.
Understanding the benefits of folic acid, how much is needed daily, and common ways to increase your intake will allow you to make better choices to support a healthy life. Here is everything you need to know about folic acid, as well as information about our new range of supplements.
What are the Benefits of Folic Acid?
As an essential vitamin, folic acid plays a vital role in maintaining overall health and well-being. Here are just a few ways in which folic acid can support your bodily functions.
Red Blood Cell Formation
- Folic acid helps your body produce red blood cells, which carry oxygen around your body.
- When your folic acid levels are low, your body isn’t able to produce these cells, and it can lead to folate deficiency anaemia, which can leave you feeling tired and weak as the cells cannot carry oxygen efficiently. This is why folic acid for red blood cells is essential for maintaining healthy energy levels and overall well-being.
Maintain Homocysteine Levels
- Folic acid regulates homocysteine, an amino acid that is produced by the body.
- When you have high levels of homocysteine in your blood, it can be a sign of deficiency, and so increasing your intake of folic acid helps to maintain levels and support healthy living.
Cardiovascular Support
· For those wanting to increase their cardiovascular health and function, folic acid can really help.
· It supports physical activity and contributes to cardiovascular performance, as it reduces homocysteine levels, according to research from Springer.
· In women, it can be particularly useful during menopause, helping to maintain overall health.
Cell Growth and Development
- · Folic acid plays a key role in DNA synthesis and cell division, and it helps with normal tissue growth and development.
- · It also supports the body in producing new cells efficiently, ensuring they develop and function as they should.
Prenatal Development
· Many health experts highlight folic acid benefits for women as it can support your baby’s growth.
· Recommended for the first 12 weeks of pregnancy or if you are planning on getting pregnant, it helps to form the baby’s brain, skull, and spinal cord, preventing serious birth defects from developing throughout the pregnancy.
· Folic acid also supports neural tube and nervous system development and allows them to produce healthy blood cells, while supporting any maternal tissue growth during pregnancy.
What Are the Symptoms of Folic Acid Deficiency?
When you aren’t getting the correct levels of folic acid, you may develop megaloblastic anaemia. This means you could experience tiredness and fatigue, and low energy levels, which could lead to poor concentration and more feelings of irritability.
In terms of your appearance, your skin may appear pale, and you may be more likely to get mouth sores.
Where Is Folic Acid Found?
Folate can be found in foods such as leafy greens, peas, brussels sprouts, broccoli, and breakfast cereals with folic acid. While most adults, excluding pregnant women, should be able to get the recommended amount of folate through their daily diet, taking a folic acid and vitamin B9 supplement can be a good alternative to ensure you hit the right levels. Check out our range of folic acid supplements on our dedicated page.
How Much Folic Acid Is Required Daily?
According to the NHS, the UK Department of Health recommends that all women who could get pregnant should take a daily supplement of 400 mg of folic acid before they become pregnant and during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. This is due to the important role folic acid plays in contributing to maternal tissue growth during pregnancy.
Our menopause range is designed to provide expert nutritional care during pregnancy and includes supplements that have the recommended dosage of folic acid.
High doses of folic acid exceeding 1mg can damage the nervous system, particularly in older people, and this is considered the maximum daily limit.
Who Cannot Have Folic Acid?
The NHS also states that the following groups may not be able to have folic acid:
- Anyone who’s had an allergic reaction to folic acid or other types of medicine.
- Those with low vitamin B12 levels or pernicious anaemia.
- People with cancer.
- Anyone with haemodialysis, a type of kidney dialysis.
- Those with a stent in their heart.
It’s worth consulting with a doctor if you have any health concerns.
Maintain A Healthy Body with Folic Acid Supplements
At Sunvit-D3, we provide folic acid tablets for pregnancy, red cell development, and improved physical focus. Our supplements are vegan and vegetarian friendly, dairy and gluten free, and at the recommended dosage levels for pregnant women.
Discover more about our folic acid supplements, or check out the rest of our range, which includes vitamin B12, K, D3, and calcium supplements to support your health and well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to take a folic acid supplement?
We recommend taking your supplement in the morning before eating a meal for maximum absorption.
What is the recommended daily folic acid dosage for pregnant women?
If you are pregnant or looking to conceive, the NHS recommends a daily 400 mg supplement until you're 12 weeks pregnant. They should be taken before you get pregnant, and so it’s important to take them before you stop using contraception or if there’s a chance you may get pregnant.
What foods are the highest in folate?
Foods high in folate include beef liver, legumes (like lentils and edamame), and dark leafy greens, while some countries may produce fortified grains and breakfast cereals as a key source.
