Folic Acid Supplements

B vitamins play an important role in maintaining good health and we need them daily because these are water-soluble and cannot be stored in the body. Vitamin B9 is also called folic acid or folate. This vitamin is vital for RBC formation and maintaining brain health. Folic acid supplements are available in both tablet and liquid form taken to maintain adequate levels of folic acid. 

Benefits of folic acid supplements

  • Treats folic acid deficiency  - Certain medicines (birth control and anti-diabetic), and liver diseases cause folic acid deficiency. In such conditions, folic acid supplements are given. 

  • Support healthy pregnancy -  Folic acid supplements are given to pregnant women to support healthy fetal development and prevent neural tube defects.

  • Balances homocysteine levels -  The combination of folic acid and B vitamins reduces homocysteine levels. Elevated levels of homocysteine levels increase the risk of heart disease.

  • Maintains eye health - Folic acid supplements are beneficial for the eye health. A combination of supplements containing folic acid, vitamin B6, and B12 reduces the risk of age-related macular degeneration.

  • Support brain health - Folic acid deficiency is associated with depressed mood. Emerging evidence suggests that folic acid supplements may be useful in depressive individuals, improve cognition, and support brain health

Methylated Folic Acid Supplements 

What is Methyl Folate? 

Methylfolate is the active, natural, and more bioavailable form of vitamin B9. It can cross the blood-brain barrier. Methyl folate supplements are available and have health benefits.

Methyl folate benefits are:

  • Act as a natural mood booster. 

  • Beneficial for patients with depression

  • Support brain health

  • Support healthy pregnancy

Methylated Folic Acid Supplements - Sample Products 

Frequently Asked Questions

1) What are folic acid supplements?

Folic acid supplements provide folate as folic acid. These are available in liquid, chewable, and capsule form. The benefits of folic acid supplements are:

  • Supports healthy fetal neural development and is an important constituent of prenatal multivitamins.

  • In combination with vitamin B12, it supports red blood cell function.

  • Prevent folic acid deficiency

  • Present in multivitamins or B complex multivitamins.

2) Why do I need folic acid supplements?

Folic acid supplements are taken to support healthy pregnancy and treat deficiency of folic acid associated with anemia, poor diet, alcoholism, etc.

3)  When to take folic acid morning or night?

Folic acid can be taken at any time of the day with or without food. Do remember to take it with plenty of water. If you are taking the liquid folic acid supplement, measure the dose properly as recommended by the doctor.

4) Why do alcoholics need folic acid and thiamine?

Alcoholics need folic acid and thiamine because due to poor dietary intake and impaired absorption of nutrients, they have vitamin deficiency. While treating alcohol withdrawal, folic acid and thiamine are given. Folic acid deficiency leads to anemia and hence it is important to give folic acid supplements or a multivitamin with folic acid. Thiamine is involved in energy metabolism and its deficiency in alcoholics increases the risk of Wernicke syndrome which is associated with with severe confusion, abnormal walking (gait), eye muscle paralysis, and dementia.

5) How does methylated folate compare to folic acid? Is methyl folate the same as folic acid?

Folate is present naturally in food while folic acid is the synthetic form of vitamin B9 present in supplements and fortified foods. The body converts folic acid to folate before utilizing it as nutrition. Methylfolate is the biologically active form of folate, it is a natural and easily digestible form of natural, vitamin B9 supplement other than folic acid. 

6)  What are the signs of methylfolate deficiency?

Signs and symptoms of Folate Deficiency are:

  • Weakness in muscles

  • Tiredness

  • Headache and irritability

  • Swelling in tongue

  • Breathlessness

  • Lack of concentration

  • Loss of appetite

  • Greying of hairs

  • Increased risk of depression

7) What is the folic acid used for?

Folic acid is used to:

  • Support healthy RBC formation

  • Prevent anemia

  • Healthy fetal development to prevent neural tube defects

8) Is it OK to take folic acid every day?

Yes, folic acid can be taken daily, especially by women. It is a water-soluble vitamin and hence you need it every day to maintain healthy levels. 

9) Why do doctors recommend folic acid?

Doctors recommended folic acid in the following conditions:

  • Prevent folate deficiency

  • Maintain healthy levels

  • Women planning pregnancy

  • Pregnant women

  • To manage high homocysteine levels in combination with other vitamins.