What is folic good for?

Neural tube defects prevention:

- Folic Acid, is a synthetic form of folate, which is commonly prescribed to pregnant women from the preconception period to aid in the prevention of neural tube defects (NTDs) in their developing infants like Spina Bifida.

Homocysteine Levels:

- Folate assists the body in metabolizing homocysteine. High levels of homocysteine in the blood can lead to vascular disease and potentially cause strokes and heart attacks.

Red blood cell production:

- Folate is essential for producing healthy red blood cells, which carry oxygen to the cells throughout the body. Adequate folate helps to prevent megaloblastic anemia, which is a type of anemia caused by the bone marrow's inability to produce healthy red blood cells.

DNA & RNA Synthesis:

- Folate plays a crucial role in the synthesis of DNA, the genetic material that guides cell growth and reproduction, and RNA, which is involved in protein synthesis and other essential cellular functions.

Healthy Cell Division:

- Folate is involved in the synthesis of nucleotides required for cell growth and division. Optimal folate levels are necessary to support rapid cell division occurring in various tissues, particularly during prenatal development and early childhood.

Immune Function:

- Folate plays a role in the proper functioning of the immune system, helping to support defense mechanisms against infections.

Cardiovascular Health:

- Several studies suggest a possible association between adequate folate intake with reduced risk of certain cardiovascular diseases, possibly due to its role in homocysteine metabolism and reducing inflammation.

Cognitive Health:

- Some research indicates a potential association between sufficient folate intake and reduced risk of cognitive decline and certain neuropsychiatric disorders, such as depression and Alzheimer's disease.