What are the main uses of folic acid. How does folic acid benefit health. What are the potential side effects of taking 1mg folic acid. Is folic acid safe and effective for most people.

Understanding Folic Acid: Essential Vitamin for Health

Folic acid is a synthetic form of folate, a B vitamin that plays a crucial role in various bodily functions. As an essential nutrient, folic acid is vital for cell growth, DNA synthesis, and the formation of red blood cells. Its importance extends beyond basic cellular processes, making it a key player in overall health and wellbeing.

Many people turn to folic acid supplements to address deficiencies or support specific health conditions. But what exactly does folic acid do in the body? Folic acid aids in the production of genetic material, supports proper brain function, and is especially important during periods of rapid growth, such as pregnancy and infancy.

Key Functions of Folic Acid

• DNA synthesis and repair
• Red blood cell formation
• Nervous system development
• Proper cell division
• Metabolism of amino acids

Given its wide-ranging impact on health, understanding the uses, benefits, and potential side effects of folic acid supplementation is crucial for anyone considering its use.

Medical Uses of Folic Acid: From Prevention to Treatment

Folic acid supplementation is prescribed for various medical conditions and preventive purposes. Healthcare providers often recommend folic acid to address deficiencies and support specific health outcomes.

Common Medical Uses

1. Prevention of neural tube defects in pregnancy
2. Treatment of folate deficiency anemia
3. Supporting cardiovascular health
4. Managing elevated homocysteine levels
5. Complementing methotrexate therapy for rheumatoid arthritis

Are there specific populations that benefit most from folic acid supplementation? Pregnant women and those planning to conceive are strongly advised to take folic acid to reduce the risk of birth defects. Additionally, individuals with certain genetic variations, such as MTHFR mutations, may require supplementation to ensure adequate folate levels.

Health Benefits of Folic Acid: Beyond Basic Nutrition

The benefits of folic acid extend far beyond preventing deficiencies. Research has shown that adequate folic acid intake can have positive effects on various aspects of health.

Cardiovascular Health

Folic acid may help reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering homocysteine levels in the blood. High homocysteine is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular issues.

Cognitive Function

Some studies suggest that folic acid supplementation might improve cognitive performance and potentially reduce the risk of age-related cognitive decline.

Mood Regulation

Folic acid plays a role in the production of neurotransmitters, which may impact mood and mental health. Some research indicates it could be beneficial in managing depression when used alongside other treatments.

Can folic acid supplementation improve overall energy levels and metabolism? Many users report increased energy and improved metabolism after starting folic acid supplements. While individual experiences vary, these effects may be related to folic acid’s role in cellular energy production and red blood cell formation.

Potential Side Effects of 1mg Folic Acid: What to Watch For

While folic acid is generally considered safe, some individuals may experience side effects, particularly at higher doses like 1mg. It’s important to be aware of potential adverse reactions when starting supplementation.

Common Side Effects

• Gastrointestinal discomfort
• Nausea
• Loss of appetite
• Bloating
• Sleep disturbances

In rare cases, more serious side effects may occur. These can include allergic reactions, seizures, or changes in behavior. It’s crucial to consult a healthcare provider if any concerning symptoms arise.

Do the benefits of folic acid outweigh the potential risks for most people? For the majority of individuals, especially those in high-risk groups like pregnant women, the benefits of folic acid supplementation far outweigh the potential risks. However, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.

Folic Acid and Pregnancy: A Critical Nutrient for Fetal Development

The importance of folic acid during pregnancy cannot be overstated. It plays a crucial role in preventing neural tube defects, which can lead to serious birth defects affecting the brain and spine.

Recommended Intake for Pregnant Women

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all women of reproductive age consume 400 micrograms of folic acid daily. This recommendation increases to 600-800 micrograms for pregnant women.

When should women start taking folic acid if planning to conceive? Ideally, women should start taking folic acid at least one month before conception and continue throughout pregnancy. This ensures adequate folate levels during the critical early stages of fetal development.

Interactions and Precautions: Navigating Folic Acid Use Safely

While folic acid is essential for health, it’s important to be aware of potential interactions with medications and certain health conditions.

Medication Interactions

Folic acid can interact with several medications, including:

• Anticonvulsants
• Methotrexate
• Sulfasalazine
• Certain antibiotics

Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications and supplements you’re taking to avoid potential interactions.

Health Conditions to Consider

Some health conditions may require careful monitoring when using folic acid supplements:

• Vitamin B12 deficiency
• Certain types of anemia
• Seizure disorders
• History of colon polyps or cancer

Can excessive folic acid intake mask a vitamin B12 deficiency? Yes, high levels of folic acid can potentially mask the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency, which can lead to neurological complications if left untreated. This is particularly important for older adults and those following vegetarian or vegan diets.

Dosage and Administration: Getting the Most from Folic Acid Supplements

Determining the right dosage of folic acid is crucial for maximizing benefits while minimizing potential side effects. The recommended daily allowance (RDA) for folic acid varies depending on age, gender, and specific health conditions.

General Dosage Guidelines

• Adults: 400 mcg/day
• Pregnant women: 600-800 mcg/day
• Lactating women: 500 mcg/day
• Individuals with folate deficiency: 1-5 mg/day (under medical supervision)

How should folic acid supplements be taken for optimal absorption? Folic acid is water-soluble and can be taken with or without food. However, some people find that taking it with food helps reduce the likelihood of gastrointestinal side effects. It’s also important to take folic acid consistently at the same time each day to maintain steady levels in the body.

Natural Sources of Folate: Boosting Intake Through Diet

While supplements can be beneficial, incorporating folate-rich foods into your diet is an excellent way to ensure adequate intake. Many foods naturally contain folate or are fortified with folic acid.

Top Folate-Rich Foods

1. Leafy green vegetables (spinach, kale, collard greens)
2. Legumes (lentils, beans, chickpeas)
3. Citrus fruits (oranges, grapefruits)
4. Avocados
5. Fortified grains and cereals
6. Eggs
7. Nuts and seeds

Is it possible to get enough folate through diet alone? For many people, a balanced diet rich in folate-containing foods can provide adequate amounts of this essential nutrient. However, certain groups, such as pregnant women or those with specific health conditions, may still benefit from supplementation to ensure they meet their increased folate needs.

Folic Acid vs. Methylfolate: Understanding the Differences

While folic acid is the synthetic form of folate commonly used in supplements and fortified foods, methylfolate is the active form of folate found naturally in the body. The distinction between these two forms has become increasingly important in recent years.

Key Differences

• Absorption: Folic acid requires conversion in the body, while methylfolate is readily usable
• Genetic factors: Some individuals have difficulty converting folic acid due to genetic variations
• Bioavailability: Methylfolate may be more effective for certain populations

Which form of folate is best for individuals with MTHFR gene mutations? For those with MTHFR gene mutations, which affect the body’s ability to convert folic acid into its active form, methylfolate supplements may be more beneficial. These individuals may not efficiently process folic acid, making methylfolate a more suitable option to ensure adequate folate levels.

Long-term Effects of Folic Acid Supplementation: Weighing the Evidence

As folic acid supplementation has become more widespread, researchers have been investigating its long-term effects on health. While the benefits for preventing neural tube defects are well-established, the impact of long-term supplementation on other aspects of health is still being studied.

Potential Long-term Benefits

• Reduced risk of certain cancers
• Improved cardiovascular health
• Better cognitive function in aging

Areas of Ongoing Research

• Impact on cancer risk (both protective and potentially promoting effects)
• Effects on immune function
• Role in epigenetic modifications

Does long-term folic acid supplementation pose any risks? While folic acid is generally considered safe, some studies have raised questions about potential risks associated with long-term, high-dose supplementation. These include concerns about increased risk of certain cancers and potential masking of vitamin B12 deficiency. However, more research is needed to fully understand these potential risks, and for most people, the benefits of adequate folate intake outweigh the potential risks.

Folic Acid in Special Populations: Tailoring Recommendations

While folic acid is important for everyone, certain populations may have unique needs or considerations when it comes to supplementation.

Elderly Population

Older adults may be at higher risk of folate deficiency due to decreased absorption and medication interactions. However, they also need to be cautious about high doses masking B12 deficiency.

Individuals with Chronic Diseases

People with conditions like celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, or liver disease may have increased folate needs due to malabsorption or increased turnover.

Athletes and Fitness Enthusiasts

Some athletes may benefit from increased folate intake due to higher energy demands and increased red blood cell production.

How should folic acid recommendations be adjusted for these special populations? Tailoring folic acid recommendations for special populations requires consideration of individual health status, dietary intake, and potential risks. Healthcare providers may recommend different dosages or forms of folate supplements based on specific needs and risk factors.

Future Directions in Folic Acid Research: Emerging Insights

The field of folic acid research continues to evolve, with new studies shedding light on its potential roles in health and disease prevention.

Emerging Areas of Research

• Folic acid’s role in epigenetic programming
• Potential applications in personalized nutrition
• Interactions with the gut microbiome
• Novel delivery methods for improved absorption

What new discoveries about folic acid might change how we use it in the future? Ongoing research may lead to more targeted recommendations for folic acid supplementation based on genetic profiles, microbiome composition, and individual health status. Additionally, studies exploring the interactions between folic acid and other nutrients may result in more comprehensive supplementation strategies for optimal health outcomes.

As our understanding of folic acid’s complex roles in the body deepens, we can expect more refined guidelines for its use in both prevention and treatment of various health conditions. The future of folic acid research holds promise for even more tailored and effective approaches to optimizing folate status and overall health.

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I initially started taking it with iron and vitamin B complex to help my complete blood count. What I do not like is how I need to take one tablet with food. I wish I could take it without. My blood has never been healthier though, and I always had anemia. Plus it really speeds up your metabolism and I seemed to have lost fat but muscle stayed. More energy, overall feeling better. Highly recommend…

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Using 15 mg. of 5-MTHF from Extrafolate-S. Only been using it for about two 1/2 weeks. DNA tests showed I was low in producing folate. I can’t tell any difference so far. It is supposed to support my psychiatric medications.

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Not only did the med not provide relief, but i experienced cramps and vaginal bleeding as a post menapausal 57 YO. I stopped taking it for a week and the symptoms stopped, but reappeared once I started the med again. I gained about 12% extra body weight that I cannot seem to lose after 5 months of not taking the med. Follow up with Dr in the morning.

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the MTHFR genetic SNiP inhibits Folic Acid methylation metabolism in 16% (by 100%) and 32% (by 50%) of Hispanic Caucasians. A pesticide, glyphosate, kills Lacto- and Bifido-bacillus effecting Gut Dysbiosis inhibiting Folic Acid methylation. FDA Law defined Folic Acid, a synthetic precursor created in 1943, to be Folate, L-MF vitamin B9. The CDC finds Folic Acid at 2x the level intended by the FDA Law in people. Cancer researchers find that free Folic Acid is a carcinogen at levels in regular daily supplements. CSF cerebral spinal Folate Deficiency is common in serious neurological disorders. The desiccant, glyphosate, applied at harvest to nonGMO cereals and grains is abundant in whole grains. While herbicide formulas, Agent Orange and Glyphosate, are used within EPA Standards, the fact remains herbicides are neurotoxins Read More Read Less

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20 percent

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I developed gout…………

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using prescription 1mg folic acid pill along with 10mg celexa. After 1 week its already making me unafraid and ruthless! Watch out now! :-)lol!

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using prescription 1mg folic acid pill along with 10mg celexa. Already making me unafraid and ruthless! Watch out now! lol

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Using 15 mg. of 5-MTHF from Extrafolate-S. Only been using it for about two 1/2 weeks. DNA tests showed I was low in producing folate. I can’t tell any difference so far. It is supposed to support my psychiatric medications.

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Was not compatible with IBS! Didn’t have a good experience at all.

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counter effective, makes me sick

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I have no experience with this and was researching if MTHF would be effective for someone already with breast cancer, but your website does not distinguish between MTHF, folate and folice acid they are not the same thing and you are not providing quality information for individuals who do not know or understand that. YOu should do a better job of providing quality information to people.

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I started taking these pills 4days ago and I have stomach cramps since I started and my bowel is lose and smelly, I wonder is its working or damaging further.

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This doesn’t give a reason of miscarriage or MTHFR as reasons for taking this treatment, but it’s the real reason I did. I had 6 miscarriages, 5 of which were consecutive after having had 3 healthy children. I went to doctor after doctor finally being diagnosed with MTHFR. After an RE recommended folic acid (which is NOT the same as methylfolate – 2 different forms of vitamin B9), I discovered that made things worse. I did my own research and discovered methylfolate. I took this and the very next pregnancy was carried to full term with a healthy baby as a result. Not only that though – my chronic fatigue, depression, neurological issues, and memory loss all immediately and dramatically improved. Folic acid is synthetic and cheap – but it is not what the body uses. It has to convert it to methylfolate first. For those of us with MTHFR polymorphisms, this process is either partially or completely broken. Folic acid is not only useless to us, it is actually deadly. I wish someone had told me years ago all I needed was a better vitamin B9!!Read More Read Less

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My wife takes Dylantin for epilepsy. She started taking folic acid about a week ago. This morning as we began our morning walk, she became dizzy and nauseous, to the point that we had to terminate our walk.

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Causes, Symptoms, Diagnoses, and Treatment

Written by Kathryn Whitbourne

In this Article

• Types
• Symptoms
• Causes
• Diagnosis
• Treatment
• Prevention

Spina bifida is a relatively common birth defect in the U. S. The words literally mean “split spine” in Latin.

If a baby has the condition, during development, the neural tube (a group of cells that form the brain and the spinal cord of a baby) doesn’t close all the way, so the backbone that protects the spine doesn’t form completely. This can cause physical and mental issues.

About 1,500 to 2,000 babies of the 4 million born in the U.S. every year have spina bifida. Thanks to advances in medicine, 90% of babies who have this defect live to be adults, and most go on to lead full lives.

There are three main types of spina bifida:

Spina bifida occulta (SBO): This is the most common and mildest form of the defect. Many people don’t even know they have it. (“Occulta” means “hidden” in Latin.) Here, the spinal cord and nerves are usually fine, but there might be a small gap in the spine. People often find out they have SBO when they get an X-ray for some other reason. This type of spina bifida doesn’t typically cause any type of disability.

Meningocele: This rare type of spina bifida happens when a sac of spinal fluid (but not the spinal cord) pushes through an opening in the baby’s back. Some people have few or no symptoms, while others have problems with their bladder and bowels.

Myelomeningocele: This is the most severe type of spina bifida. Here, the baby’s spinal canal is open in one or several places in the lower or middle back, and a sac of fluid pokes out. This sac also holds part of the spinal cord and the nerves, and those parts get damaged.

With spina bifida occulta, the most obvious sign might be a tuft of hair or a birthmark at the site of the defect. With meningocele and myelomeningocele, you can see the sac poking through the infant’s back. In the case of meningocele, there may be a thin layer of skin over the sac.

With myelomeningocele, there’s usually no skin covering, and the spinal cord tissue is out in the open. Other associated symptoms range from: 

• Weak leg muscles (in some cases, the infant can’t move them at all)
• Unusually shaped feet, uneven hips, or a curved spine (scoliosis)
• Seizures
• Bowel or bladder problems

Children also might have trouble breathing, swallowing, or moving their upper arms. They also might be overweight. The symptoms depend a lot on where the problem is in the spine and which spinal nerves are involved.

No one knows for sure what causes spina bifida. Scientists think it may be a combination of the environment and family history, or a lack of folic acid (a type of vitamin B) in the mother’s body.

But we do know that the condition is more common among white and Hispanic babies and in girls. Also, women who have diabetes that isn’t managed well or who are obese may be more likely to have a child with spina bifida.

Three tests can check for spina bifida and other birth defects while the baby is still in the womb:

Blood test: A sample of the mother’s blood is tested to see if it has a certain protein the baby makes called AFP. If the level of AFP is very high, it could mean the baby has spina bifida or another neural tube defect.

Ultrasound: High-frequency sound waves bounce off tissues in your body to make black-and-white pictures of the baby on a computer monitor. If your baby has spina bifida, you may see an open spine or a sac poking out of the spine.

Amniocentesis: If the blood test shows a high level of AFP but the ultrasound looks normal, your doctor may recommend amniocentesis. This is when your doctor uses a needle to take a small amount of fluid from the amniotic sac around the baby. If there’s a high level of AFP in that fluid, that means the skin around the baby’s sac is missing and AFP has leaked into the amniotic sac.

Sometimes, spina bifida is diagnosed after a baby is born — usually if the mother didn’t get prenatal care or the ultrasound didn’t show anything wrong.

The doctor probably will want to get X-rays of the baby’s body and do a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, which uses strong magnets and radio waves to get more detailed images.

Doctors can operate on babies when they’re just a few days old or even while they’re still in the womb. If the baby has meningocele, about 24 to 48 hours after birth, the surgeon will put the membrane around the spinal cord back in place and close the opening.

If the baby has myelomeningocele, the surgeon will put the tissue and spinal cord back inside the baby’s body and cover it with skin. Sometimes the surgeon will also put a hollow tube into the baby’s brain called a shunt to keep water from collecting on the brain (called hydrocephalus). This is also done 24 to 48 hours after the baby’s born.

Surgery sometimes can be done while the baby is still in the womb. Before the 26th week of pregnancy, the surgeon goes into the mother’s womb and sews shut the opening over the baby’s spinal cord. Children who have this type of surgery seem to have fewer birth defects. But it’s risky to the mother and makes it more likely that the baby will be born too early.

After these surgeries, others may be needed to correct problems with feet, hips, or the spine or to replace the shunt in the brain. Between 20% and 50% of children with myelomeningocele may also have something called progressive tethering, which is when their spinal cords get fastened to the spinal canal. (Normally, the bottom of the spinal cord floats freely in the spinal canal.) As the child grows, the spinal cord stretches, and that causes a loss of muscle and bowel or bladder problems. Surgery may be needed to fix that as well.

Some people with spina bifida need crutches, braces, or wheelchairs to move around, and others need a catheter to help with their bladder issues.

Studies have shown that taking a multivitamin with folic acid can prevent spina bifida and lower your baby’s odds of having this and other birth defects. Any woman who’s pregnant or trying to get pregnant should get 400 micrograms a day. If you have spina bifida, or have a child with spina bifida, you should get 4,000 micrograms per day at least 1 month before you get pregnant through the first few months.

Folic acid is also in dark green vegetables, egg yolks, and some fortified breads, pastas, rice, and breakfast cereals.

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Macrocytic hyperchromic anemia caused by folic acid deficiency. As part of combination therapy for the following diseases: anemia and leukopenia caused by drugs and ionizing radiation; sprue; chronic gastroenteritis; intestinal tuberculosis. At the planning stage and during pregnancy to prevent the development of neural tube defects in the fetus in the presence of risk factors in the mother. Treatment of megaloblastic anemia due to deficiency or increased utilization of folic acid (including during pregnancy, malabsorption syndrome).

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Folic acid for men: latest research

Contents:

➦ What is folic acid and what is its role in the human body

➦ Men’s health benefits of folic acid 9 0023

➦Pharmacy preparations

➦Vitamin B9 Popular Pharmacy Products

➦Benefits for Increasing the Chances of Conceiving and Having a Healthy Baby

➦Indications

➦Foods containing folic acid

➦Possible side effects from overdose

➦Popular questions men ask about folic acid

Popular pharmacy products with vitamin B9

Anyone looking for fertility supplements must have heard of folic acid. Women who are planning to have a baby are advised to eat foods rich in this nutrient or take folic acid supplements to prevent birth defects in the baby associated with damage to the neural tube of the fetus. Recent studies have shown that this substance is also necessary for men, as it has a positive effect on sperm quality, plays an important role in the production of red blood cells, is involved in the production of DNA, and performs a number of other vital functions.

What is folic acid and what is its role in the human body?

Folic acid is an artificially synthesized form of the water-soluble vitamin B9 called folate. In nature, this substance is found in some foods, in particular in leafy vegetables, from where its name comes from (from Latin folium – leaf). Thus, the terms folic acid and folate are used interchangeably.

Folic acid is used in vitamin supplements and in some fortified foods (such as cereals). Our body can use this form more efficiently than folate – natural vitamin B9, which is found in green leafy vegetables, some meats, citrus fruits, legumes, brown rice, and wholemeal bread.

Folate isn’t just for pregnant women. When it is deficient, the body begins to produce abnormally large red blood cells that do not work properly, leading to a certain type of anemia. Many scientists consider vitamin B9 to be the “basic foundation” of good health.

Function of folic acid in the body:

• plays an important role in cell division
• is part of erythrocytes
• is necessary for the full development of the embryo
• regulates the synthesis of adrenaline and norepinephrine
• participates in the immune system wound healing
• involved in serotonin metabolism and lymphocyte synthesis

Men’s health benefits of folic acid

The benefits of folic acid for women are widely known, but this substance is no less important for men’s health.

✅ 1 Prevents heart disease

Folic acid is involved in the metabolism of homocysteine ​​in the blood, an amino acid that can damage the inner walls of arteries. Studies show that a good dose of folic acid clears blood vessels, preventing them from clogging, which may benefit men at higher risk of heart disease. However, for final proof of the role of vitamin B9further research is needed in reducing cardiovascular risk.

✅ 2 Reduces the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease

It has been established that mental function in old age is directly dependent on diet. In particular, a lack of phosphatidylserine in food can cause mental disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease. This substance plays an important role in maintaining the integrity of the cell membranes of the brain. With a deficiency in the intake of vitamins B9and B12, the level of phosphatidylserine decreases.

Evidence supporting the benefits of vitamin B9 in the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease came from a 2005 study at the University of California, Irvine. The behavior of 579 men and women of the age group over 60 was studied. It has been found that consuming 400 micrograms of folic acid per day through food and supplements reduced the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease by more than 50%. Thus, optimizing nutrition by supplementing folate leads to improved cognitive performance.

✅ 3 Helps prevent type 2 diabetes

Vitamin B9 stimulates protein metabolism, improves blood circulation and tissue regeneration. Due to the property of this substance to enhance the breakdown of triglycerides in the blood, this may have a preventive value for obesity and type 2 diabetes. This hypothesis is supported by a 2008 European Journal of Endocrinology study, which found that women with a body mass index of 30 (obese) had low folic acid levels.

✅ 4 Helps treat depression

According to research, people with mood disorders often have low folic acid levels. Deficiency of this substance may be associated with a side effect of antidepressant treatment. Vitamin B9 has been found to regulate the synthesis of adrenaline and noradrenaline, and thus may help men treat conditions such as depression.

✅ 5 Increases sperm count

Dr. Wai Yee Wong of the Nijmegen University Medical Center in the Netherlands and colleagues studied the effects of two nutrients, folate and zinc, on sperm quality. To this end, 108 fertile men and 103 low-fertility men were randomized, double-blind trials. For 26 weeks between 4 treatments, one group received folic acid and placebo, zinc sulfate and placebo, zinc sulfate and folic acid, and two placebo supplements. Folic acid was administered at a rate of 5 mg/day and zinc sulfate at a rate of 66 mg/day. At the end of treatment with zinc sulfate and folic acid, subfertile men showed a significant increase in the total concentration of normal spermatozoa by 74%, from 5.1 million cells / ml to 8.9million, along with a slight 4% increase in “abnormal” semen.
“While this improvement in sperm count does not always result in concentrations above the reference value of 20 million cells/mL, the observed increase suggests a positive effect on the quantitative aspect of spermatogenesis,” the authors comment.

Sperm concentration also increased in fertile men receiving zinc and/or folic acid, but not significantly, which the authors believe could be explained by the large variability in sperm concentration in these men compared to men with low fertility. “While a positive effect on fertility remains to be determined, this result opens up new opportunities for fertility research and treatment, which may have public health implications,” the authors conclude. (Fertility and Sterility, Vol 77 No 3, pp. 491-498 – Fertility and Infertility, Vol. 77 No. 3, pp. 491-498)

Another opinion on the role of folic acid in improving male fertility

based on folic acid and zinc to improve fertility and treat male infertility do not live up to expectations, as they do not improve the rate of fertilization, the number and activity of spermatozoa. “This is a landmark supplementation trial,” explains Professor James M. Hotaling, co-author of the study.

For the experiment, the scientists recruited 2,370 couples planning to use an assisted reproductive system. The men were given either a placebo or a daily supplement of 5 mg folic acid and 30 mg zinc for six months. In parallel, women were asked to complete questionnaires up to 18 months after the start of the study to follow up on pregnancy outcomes. At the end of the observation period, the results showed no significant difference in the number of births between men who received the supplement (404 births, 34%) and the placebo group (416 births, 35%).

Men in both groups had similar measurements of sperm count, shape and motility. However, men who took the supplement for six months had a higher proportion of DNA fragmentation in their semen than those in the placebo group. The researchers note that previous research has suggested that this phenomenon may contribute to male infertility. In addition, men in the “supplements” group complained of abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and other gastrointestinal symptoms more frequently than those in the placebo group. “This study shows us that zinc and folic acid do not improve pregnancy chances and may even cause unwanted side effects,” they conclude. They recommend that men of all ages who want to maintain their fertility make sure to eat a balanced diet first.

✅ 6 Helps fight various diseases

If you avoid green vegetables and do not eat a healthy diet, you may find yourself deficient in folic acid, which can cause fatigue and lethargy.

Folate helps the body form healthy red blood cells that carry oxygen throughout your body. When there are not enough red blood cells, or if they are poorly formed, your organs and tissues receive less oxygen. Sufficient intake of folic acid is the prevention of the development of folate deficiency anemia.

Vitamin B9 is also used to treat certain diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, in particular, celiac disease, eliminate kidney and liver problems, heart disease, maintain good immunity, prevent the appearance of neoplasms, and have a beneficial effect on the state of the nervous system and performance.

Pharmaceutical preparations

Folic acid supplements may help replenish levels. However, at the same time, one should not refuse to include foods rich in this vital substance in the diet. No pill can be considered more useful than vitamins for men, synthesized by nature itself.

Vitamin B9 is most commonly found in supplements as methylfolate, one of the most potent forms. In Phytomarket you can buy vitamin B9 in different dosages and forms: in the form of capsules, tablets, lozenges or chewing sweets with different flavors.

Popular pharmacy products with vitamin B9

Benefit for increasing the chance of conceiving and having a healthy baby

In female reproduction, folic acid is important for oocyte quality and maturation, implantation, placentation, fetal growth and organ development. Studies conducted by American scientists in 2008 showed that folic acid also plays an important role in spermatogenesis.
About 4% of sperm cells are known to have either too many or not enough chromosomes, which is associated with inability to conceive, miscarriages and the birth of children with conditions such as Down’s syndrome. It is still unclear why such violations occur.

In a series of experiments involving 89 men, an association was found between a diet rich in folic acid and fewer sperm with chromosomal defects. Men who consumed the most folic acid had 20-30% fewer malformed sperm than those who consumed the least. This study is the first to show that a father-to-be’s diet can help improve not only sperm quantity, but also sperm quality.

If until then it was believed that vitamin B9 supplementsaffect only the increase in the number of sperm in infertile men, now there is evidence that this substance can affect the frequency of spontaneous abortions and birth defects. The researchers note that the beneficial effect requires folic acid intake at the upper limit of what is generally considered the maximum allowable by public health authorities. They believe further research is needed before recommending that men increase their vitamin B9 intake..

Indications for use

Despite the fortification of breads and cereals, most women and men still do not get enough folic acid in their diets. While a healthy and balanced diet is a good start, getting the recommended amount of folate from food isn’t always easy. Even if you carefully plan your daily diet, excessive alcohol consumption, certain gastrointestinal conditions, and certain medications can prevent your body from absorbing this vitamin. Since many pregnancies are unplanned, this vitamin must be present before you become pregnant.

By the way, a significant B9 deficiency is observed in alcoholics. A 1997 study of chronic alcoholics found low folate levels in more than 50 percent of those surveyed. The fact is that alcohol interferes with the absorption of folate and increases the amount of a substance that the kidneys get rid of. In addition, many alcoholics are malnourished and lack folate-rich foods in their diets.

Thus, an indication for the use of vitamin B9is an unbalanced diet, diet, lack of folate-rich foods in the diet, excessive infatuation with strong drinks, smoking, problems with potency, delayed sexual development, infertility, age-related changes, nervous system disorders, and chronic gastrointestinal diseases.

Indications for taking vitamin B9 in adulthood

An increased need for folic acid is necessary for intense physical exertion, recovery from injuries and operations, as well as for the elderly, as the risk of cardiovascular diseases, chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract increases with age, anemia.

Use of folic acid foods or supplements in adulthood reduces heart palpitations, reduces the frequency and severity of hot flashes, improves mental health and sleep, and normalizes blood pressure. However, taking vitamin B9 can only be on the recommendation of a doctor.

Products containing folic acid

Vitamin B9 content in products:

Other foods containing folic acid: nutritional yeast, avocado, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, mustard greens, green peas, beans, peanuts, corn, wheat germ, tomato juice, crabs, orange juice, turnip greens, oranges, papaya and bananas.

Possible side effects from overdose

High doses of folic acid can cause vitamin B12 deficiency and cause permanent damage if not detected early. Before you start taking high doses of vitamin B9you need to check the level of B12.

Folic acid may interact with other medicines, such as reducing the effectiveness of the anticonvulsant drug phenytoin. Also, some fertility formulas contain herbs that can interact with fertility drugs, so be sure to talk to your doctor before you start taking any supplements.

Too much folic acid can cause abdominal cramps, diarrhea, rashes, sleep problems, irritability and confusion. However, to achieve these side effects, it is necessary to take a very high dose in excess of 5 mg/day.

Contraindications to the use of folic acid:

➦ individual sensitivity to vitamin B9

➦ malignant anemia

➦ oncology

➦ vitamin deficiency B12.

Popular questions men ask about folic acid

How much folic acid should men take?

Previously, the recommended prophylactic dose for adult males was 400 micrograms folate equivalent per day. In recent years, the World Health Organization (WHO) has halved this figure, and now it is 200 micrograms per day for people over 11 years old (for pregnant and lactating women, this figure is higher). If there is a history of autism or developmental delay in the family, your doctor may recommend a higher dose, up to a maximum of 2,000 micrograms per day. When a couple is planning a pregnancy, a man needs to drink folic acid at a dosage of up to 700 micrograms for 2-3 months. To avoid infertility in men, folic acid is recommended to be taken in combination with vitamin E.

What time of day should I take folic acid?

It is generally more effective to take all vitamins in the morning after a meal. If you take vitamin B9 with food, the food will be more difficult to digest, since the acid forms an insoluble complex with zinc. Taking folic acid in the evening can stimulate the nervous system and temporarily impair sleep quality.

How to understand that the body lacks folic acid?

Folic acid deficiency in men, as in women, can cause a range of anemia-type symptoms, including extreme fatigue, lethargy, and headaches. Some of the common symptoms of folic acid deficiency in men are: pale skin, lack of energy, shortness of breath and feeling weak, palpitations, weight loss and loss of appetite, food poisoning, tinnitus, altered taste sensations, muscle weakness. If you suspect you have a folic acid deficiency, talk to your doctor who can advise you on the correct dosage of folic acid based on your personal circumstances.

How long can I take folic acid?

Prophylactic vitamin B9 at 200 mcg daily for 30 days is recommended for diets low in folate-containing foods.
In case of drug deficiency of folic acid, the course of treatment is 5 mg for 4 months, in case of malabsorption, up to 15 mg daily can be used. For the prevention of anemia in chronic hemolytic status, the drug is taken every 1-7 days, depending on the exacerbations of the disease.

Can I take folic acid without a doctor’s prescription?

All vitamins are sold without a doctor’s prescription. If folic acid deficiency is detected, a small daily dose will not harm, as the excess is excreted by the body. It is best to take vitamin complexes, which include a preventive dose of vitamin B9. The need for this substance depends on various factors: gender, age, lifestyle and body condition, only a doctor can help in choosing the dosage. Taking more than 1,000 micrograms of folic acid per day should only be taken under the supervision of a physician, as this may mask the symptoms of a severe vitamin B12 deficiency and lead to irreversible neurological damage.

Why does folate deficiency occur?

Folic acid is produced by the intestinal microflora, but in very small doses. Unfortunately, the diet of the average city dweller is poor in products containing this valuable vitamin, hence its deficiency. And during pregnancy, colds and viral diseases, stress and long-term use of antibiotics, folate stores in the body disappear within two weeks.

Why iron supplements should be taken with folic acid?

Very often, folic acid deficiency is combined with iron, vitamin B12 and protein deficiencies.