The Health Benefits of Folate
Supports Normal Fetal Development
Folate plays a crucial role in fetal development, making it essential for pregnant women. A deficiency in folate during early pregnancy can lead to serious issues like neural tube defects, potentially resulting in pregnancy termination or babies born with conditions such as spina bifida. Fortunately, research has shown that increasing folate levels from one month prior to conception to three months afterward can reduce the risk of these defects by 50%.
Promotes Sperm Viability
Studies have linked folate to sperm health and functionality. Men who consume lower levels of folate tend to have sperm with incorrect chromosomal structure. A 2012 study found that previously infertile men who took a nutritional supplement containing folic acid saw significant improvements in sperm motility and successfully achieved pregnancy with their partners.
Great for the Heart
Folate is essential for converting homocysteine into methionine, an important amino acid. Without enough folate, homocysteine levels can rise, which is undesirable because elevated homocysteine has been associated with atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular issues. Clearly, maintaining adequate folate levels is crucial for cardiovascular health as it helps break down homocysteine.
May Reduce the Risk of Stroke
High levels of homocysteine not only harm the heart but can also increase the risk of stroke. Hyperhomocysteinemia, an excess of homocysteine, results from issues in methionine-homocysteine metabolism and leads to blood vessel damage and clotting. While stroke can have various causes, taking folate or its supplement form, folic acid, has been recommended to reduce this risk.
Encourages Normal Cholesterol Levels
A study in Poland found that folic acid supplementation helps maintain normal cholesterol levels. This research involving 124 participants observed significant reductions in LDL cholesterol levels after taking 0.4 mg of folic acid daily for 12 weeks. The observed benefit was likely due to reduced homocysteine levels.
Provides Neurological Support
There is evidence suggesting a link between folate levels and neural health. A study conducted in Korea on elderly patients found that those with dementia had the highest homocysteine levels and the lowest folate levels. Conversely, the control group without dementia had higher levels of folate.
Helps Perinatal Mood Management
Treating perinatal depression with pharmaceuticals is often not advisable due to concerns for the child. This has led researchers to seek safer, natural alternatives. Folate, along with other B vitamins, is known to support neurotransmitter production and absorption. Some studies indicate that taking micronutrients, including folic acid, can improve symptoms and outcomes.
Great for Colon Health
Could folate be beneficial for colon health? A 2013 case-control study linked folate intake to gene activation that decreases the chances of developing colorectal cancer. This underscores the significance of diet at a cellular level.
Reduces the Risk of Age-Related Macular Degeneration
A trial by Harvard Medical School involving women at risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) examined the effects of B vitamin therapy, including folic acid, vitamin B6, and B12. The group receiving B vitamin therapy had a lower incidence of AMD compared to the control group, suggesting that daily supplementation might help reduce the risk of this condition.
