What Is Folic Acid For?

Folic acid, also known as folate or vitamin B9, is a chemical found mainly in green vegetables, legumes, and fortified cereals. Some of these foods are, for example, broccoli, spinach or beans.

The body uses folic acid to synthesize new cells and for their maintenance. For this reason, it is essential for the proper functioning of the body.

The skin, hair or nails, among other structures in the body, produce new cells every day. Therefore, a deficit in this vitamin could lead to health problems.

Due to its functions, an adequate supply of folic acid is especially important during childhood and in the gestational period, that is, during pregnancy.

Prevention of neural tube defects thanks to folic acid

According to the Journal of midwifery & women’s health, experts recommend that both women who are pregnant and those who are trying to conceive a child consume at least 400 micrograms of folic acid each day.

It is recommended to consume it before conception and, at least, during the first 3 months of pregnancy.

The reason for this is that it has been shown that this extra supply of vitamin B9 considerably reduces the risks of the baby having a problem in the neural tube, this being the main benefit of folic acid.

Neural tube problems are congenital deformations, that is, they can only be observed at the time of birth, causing an incomplete development of the baby’s brain and spinal cord.

Among the most common we find:

• Spina bifida : A disorder characterized by the fact that the spinal cord and spinal column do not close properly.
• Anenfelia: when brain development is not complete.

• Encephalocele: when brain tissue protrudes into the skin through an opening in the skull.

All these deformations occur, especially during the first 28 days of pregnancy and, as the woman does not usually know that she is pregnant during this period of time, it is why it is important to consume folic acid before conception.

Consequence of folic acid deficiency

As we have seen, folic acid is an essential nutrient for the life of cells, so its deficiency leads to the development of pathologies.

The most common disorder that occurs as a result of folic acid deficiency is macrocytic and megaloblastic anemia. The symptoms of both are very similar to that of anemia caused by vitamin B12 deficiency.

Anemia is a disease characterized by a deficit of red blood cells, which is associated with a series of symptoms such as:

• Asthenia.
• Anorexy.
• Sleep disorders.
• Memory problems.
• Seizures

When the deficiency occurs acutely, such as when antifolate drugs are administered, as is the case with some drugs that treat cancer, the deficiency of folic acid manifests itself through digestive, cutaneous and hematological symptoms.

Folic acid and cancer

This vitamin and cancer are closely related. The folate status may participate in the modulation of neoplastic transformations, especially at the level of certain epithelial tissues.

Folic acid deficiency seems to accelerate tumor development and folic acid supplementation could prevent the advancement of the tumor process, especially in stomach and colon cancer.

However, more studies are still needed to clarify the role of folic acid in cancer prevention.

Dietary recommendations

The recommended intakes for folic acid are calculated based on the minimum requirement of this pure substance.

In addition, account must be taken of people who cannot absorb or distribute it correctly, as well as individual variation and the need for adequate reserves.

As we have already seen the needs of pregnant women, we will see those of men, women and children:

• Children between 7 and 10 years old : they need, according to Spanish dietary recommendations, 100 micrograms a day.
• Women over 12 years of age : it is recommended, in Spain, a consumption of 200 micrograms per day.
• Men older than 12 years : like women, a consumption of 200 micrograms per day is recommended.

Conclution

Vitamin B9 is essential for the proper functioning of the body. Participates in the synthesis of new cells of different structures.

It is essential that pregnant women keep the levels of this vitamin covered, especially during the first 3 months of pregnancy. This will help prevent disturbances in the baby.

Consult with a professional about the ideal amounts for your personal situation and never make health-related decisions without consulting.