Folic acid is a vitamin that belongs to the B complex, which is why it is also named as vitamin B9 and is popularly known to be ideal for pregnant women thanks to the benefits it offers, however, it is recommended that anyone over the age of 13 years of age should consume at least 400 µg of folic acid daily [1] , while women of childbearing age should take a daily supplement with 400 to 800 µg of this vitamin.
This vitamin B9 is a man-made version of folate that can be found naturally in various foods. The body uses this nutrient to create new cells, so the advantages of its consumption in both men and women can be totally favorable. If you are one of those people who have heard about this vitamin for those who are pregnant, in the following FastlyHealarticle we detail the benefits of taking folic acid without being pregnant .
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Helps prevent breast cancer
There are certain factors that considerably increase the risk of breast cancer, for example, regular alcohol consumption, even if it is moderate, could help the development of this pathology. The little consumption of vitamin B9 can also increase the chances that a person suffers from this breast disorder, which although it is much more common in women, it can be developed by men, especially those between 60 and 70 years of age.
In a study carried out in 1999 and published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, it was concluded that those women who consumed an alcoholic drink per day but supplemented it with 600 µg of folic acid , the risk of developing breast cancer was reduced by half [2] . This is why one of the greatest benefits of taking folic acid without being pregnant is the preventive help it offers for this type of cancer.
Lowers the risk of heart disease
According to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University, the amino acid known as homocysteine, in even moderately high amounts, is closely related to the onset of various heart diseases [3] . Consuming folic acid supplements can significantly help reduce the risks of heart disease because this nutrient separates homocysteine in the blood.
In addition, a study published by the same institute indicates that although the intake of this vitamin intervenes in the regulation of homocysteine , a greater effect is achieved if it is combined with the consumption of vitamin B12 . A reduction of 25% of this amino acid in the blood was achieved only with the treatments of 0.5 to 5 mg / day of folic acid and it was reduced to 37% when it was accompanied with vitamin B12. This benefit can be obtained by anyone, so it is another reason to take vitamin B9 without being pregnant.
Fight anemia
For the production of new red blood cells, the body essentially needs folate, so when the cells do not obtain enough of this nutrient, the body produces a smaller proportion of red blood cells but with a larger size, a condition known as megaloblastic anemia .
As this type of anemia develops, the patient may suffer various symptoms such as shortness of breath, weakness and constant fatigue, so it is important that the treatment indicated by the specialist is carried out. The Linus Pauling Institute [3] assures that taking folic acid supplements not only prevents the appearance of anemia , but also fights it and helps improve symptoms.
Improves conditions associated with age
Although lowered levels of folate in the body were believed to be related to a decline in older people, a study published in 2007 in the British medical journal The Lancet [4] showed that those who consumed 800 µg of folic acid during Long periods of time helped them to better perform the cognitive tests that were carried out to examine skills that generally wear out over time, such as memory, word fluency, processing speed, among others. .
The study compared people who ingested folic acid with those who were only administered a pill with a placebo effect, so it was determined that folic acid improves various conditions associated with age . Consuming this type of vitamin can prevent hearing loss, prevent macular degeneration, which is a disease that causes loss of vision, and benefits many aspects that can wear out over time.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
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Referencias
https://www.northshore.org/healthresources/encyclopedia/encyclopedia.aspx?
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.