Folic acid - consequences of deficiency and excess

What is folic acid responsible for?

The role of folic acid in the daily diet is undeniably important for the health of every woman. This substance is responsible, among other things, for the growth of maternal tissues during pregnancy and promotes the process of cell division. These properties are decisive for the proper course of pregnancy and for the developing fetus, especially in the context of the nervous and circulatory systems.

Other and equally important functions of folic acid include:

• participation in the process of proper blood production,
• help with appropriate amino acid synthesis,
• maintaining proper homocysteine metabolism,
• reducing fatigue and weariness,
• helping to maintain normal psychological functions,
• support for the optimal functioning of the immune system.

What are the consequences of a folic acid deficiency?

Insufficient folic acid content in the daily diet may cause deficiencies , the effects of which prove to be extremely serious for optimal condition and functioning of the body. According to experts, insufficient supply of vitamin B 9 can be a cause of anaemia, cardiovascular diseases or osteoporosis. What is more, the lack of an adequate level of this substance during pregnancy increases the risk of extremely serious defects of the fetus' nervous system.

The basic solution to the deficiency and its consequences is a varied diet. Folic acid is abundant in green vegetables (e.g. spinach, Brussels sprouts), pulses, whole grain products and some fruit. Unfortunately, the level of assimilability of folates from food is only 50% of the total content. It is also worth adding that the consumption of products rich in vitamin C provides additional protection against the vitamin's decomposition.

The Olimp Laboratories pharmaceutical company offers a dietary supplement in the form of easy to swallow tablets, which allows the body to provide an optimal dose of 400 μg of folic acid . The product was developed using an innovative technology and microbiologically tested raw materials. The supplement is recommended for all women, especially those waiting for a baby, planning a pregnancy or during lactation.

What are the consequences of an excess of folic acid?

Excess folic acid in the daily diet can usually be a consequence of incorrect and excessive use of dietary supplements. Do the effects have serious health consequences? According to some experts, an excessive supply of folate may make it difficult to detect vitamin B12 deficiency, which in a wider perspective may cause dangerous neurological abnormalities. It is often mentioned that large amounts of folic acid can have carcinogenic properties.