Benefits Of Folic Acid Supplements

Benefits of Folic Acid Supplements

Vitamin B9 or folic acid is vital for forming healthy body cells. It also aids in protein production, cell function and tissue growth. Since it is not naturally found in the body, you are supposed to obtain this particular vitamin from foods and other supplements. You get multiple benefits from ingesting folic acid supplements as illustrated below.

1. Prevents cancer

Since folate is vital for the formation of healthy cells, health experts believe that it may also lower your likelihood of getting certain cancers. Taking folic acid supplements may guard against cell mutation through keeping DNA healthy. While more research has to be carried out in this particular area, the consumption of a healthy diet that includes folate sources prevents several forms of cancer.

2. Better absorption

Folate is naturally found in meals like green vegetables, citrus fruits, whole grains and legumes. Folic acid, however, is basically the artificial form of folate and it is present in fortified foods like breakfast cereals, rice, flour, pasta and also in supplements. A key benefit of taking folic acid supplements is that fact that it is better absorbed into the body than folate.

3. Treats anemia

Folate aids in red blood cell formation and if you do not have sufficient amounts of folate in the body, the RBC become uncharacteristically large. This may lead to the disease called megaloblastic anemia where patients experience headaches and fatigue, while developing pale skin and sore tongue or mouth. Nevertheless, taking sufficient folic acid supplements can assist in preventing this kind of anemia.

4. Prevents birth defects

Pregnant women are advised to take folic acid supplements as it may help them prevent any birth defects. Taking these supplements significantly lowers the likelihood of anencephaly, a common birth defect.

However, high intake of folic acid supplements may cause symptoms like abdominal bloating, nausea, gas and dizziness.

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