Folic acid: a key nutrient for health : Your online pharmacy selection

What is folic acid and what role does it play in the body?

Folic acid, or vitamin B9, is an essential water-soluble vitamin belonging to the B vitamin group. It is involved in numerous biological functions, including DNA and amino acid synthesis, cell growth and red blood cell formation.

Indispensable for the proper functioning of the nervous and immune systems, it also plays a key role in embryonic development, preventing certain congenital malformations, notably spina bifida.

What are the benefits of folic acid?

Folic Acid is an essential nutrient that participates in a number of physiological functions:

1. Prevention of congenital malformations: supplementation is recommended to pregnant women to prevent neural tube defects in the fetus.
2. Blood cell formation and renewal: Crucial for the production of red blood cells, preventingmegaloblastic anemia.
3. Nervous system support: Contributes to proper neurological development in the fetus and maintenance of cognitive function in adults.
4. Homocysteine regulation: Helps reducehomocysteine levelsin the blood, thereby reducing cardiovascular risk.
5. Boosts the immune system: Helps produce white blood cells, essential for the body's defense against infection.
6. Fertility support: In women, it promotes regular ovulation and optimal embryonic development.

What is the daily requirement for folic acid?

Recommended dietary intakes of Folic Acid vary according to age and physiological needs:

• Adults: 300 µg per day
• Pregnant women: 400 to 600 µg per day
• Nursing women: 500 µg per day
• Infants and children: between 50 and 200 µg per day

A balanced diet generally covers these requirements, but supplementation is essential in certain cases, notably during pregnancy or in the presence of a vitamin B9 deficiency.

Which foods are rich in folic acid?

Folic acid is naturally present in a number of foods, including

• Green leafy vegetables: spinach, lettuce, broccoli, Brussels sprouts
• Pulses: lentils, chickpeas, kidney beans
• Fruits: oranges, strawberries, bananas, avocados
• Wholegrain cereals and enriched cereal products
• Liver and offal

However,Folic Acid is a heat- and light-sensitive vitamin, and overcooking can lead to a significant loss of its nutritional properties.

What are the risks of Folic Acid deficiency?

Folic acid deficiency can have serious health consequences. The main symptoms include

• Chronic fatigue and muscle weakness
• Megaloblastic anemia (decrease in red blood cells)
• Memory and concentration problems
• Depression and mood disorders
• Increased risk of cardiovascular disease due to high homocysteine levels
• Congenital malformations in the fetus in the event of maternal deficiency

Who should take folic acid supplementation?

Certain population groups are particularly at risk of deficiency and may require supplementation:

• Pregnant women and women of childbearing age: Supplementation is strongly recommended before and during pregnancy.
• People suffering from digestive diseases (celiac disease, Crohn's disease) affecting nutrient absorption.
• Elderly people with absorption disorders or deficient diets.
• Chronic alcohol consumers, as alcohol reduces absorption and storage of vitamin B9.
• People taking certain drugs (anticonvulsants, methotrexate) which interfere with Folic Acid metabolism.

What are the side effects and precautions to be taken?

Folic Acid is generally well tolerated, even at high doses. However, excessive supplementation can mask vitamin B12 deficiency, leading to undetected neurological complications.

In some people, excessive Folic Acid intake may cause mild digestive disorders (bloating, nausea) or rare allergic reactions. It is therefore advisable to respect recommended doses and consult a health professional before any prolonged supplementation.

Folic acid and fertility: what's the link?

Folic acid plays an essential role in male and female fertility. In women, it improves oocyte quality, promotes embryo implantation and reduces the risk of miscarriage. In men, it contributes to sperm health, reducing chromosomal abnormalities and improving sperm mobility.

Folic acid and cardiovascular disease: what are the effects?

Folic acid is involved in the regulation ofhomocysteine, an amino acid whose excess is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (atherosclerosis, heart attack, stroke). Vitamin B9 supplementation helps reduce these levels, thus protecting cardiovascular health.