Folic acid is a key ingredient in the making of the nucleic acids that form our basic genetic material. In short, without folic acid we wouldn’t here. Our bodies wouldn’t be able to generate healthy new cells. Adult men and women both need about 400 micrograms of folic acid per day to maintain normal function, but women who are pregnant or are trying to conceive should up their daily intake to 600 mcg. Depending on your age and health concerns, your daily folic acid intake may range from 400 to 1,000 mcg.¹

Folic acid is sometimes confused with folate, but the terms are really just two different names for essentially the same nutrient. As the National Institutes of Health explains, “Folate, formerly known as folacin, is the generic term for both naturally occurring food folate and folic acid, the fully oxidized monoglutamate form of the vitamin that is used in dietary supplements and fortified foods.”¹

Top Folic Acid Benefits

1. Red Blood Cell Formation — Adequate folic acid intake is crucial for healthy red blood cell formation. A folic acid deficiency can, in rare cases, lead to certain blood health concerns and cause weakness and fatigue, plus other mood and respiratory health changes.
2. Healthy Fetal Development — Folic acid is one of the most important micronutrients for early fetal development in the womb. Women of childbearing age are encouraged to consume up to 600 mcg of folic acid even in the weeks and months leading up to pregnancy to help support fetal development.²
3. Heart Health — Researchers are taking a closer look at how folic acid affects homocysteine levels since homocysteine levels have been associated with cardiovascular concerns. Since folate and other B vitamins are involved in homocysteine metabolism, researchers have hypothesized that they may help with some cardiovascular concerns by lowering homocysteine levels.”¹
4. Mood — Several studies have shown that individuals with mood concerns are also low in folic acid levels. While additional research is needed to study what effect, if any, folic acid supplementation may have for these individuals, researchers do believe folic acid may be welcome addition to current methods to help with mood concerns.
5. Vision Health — There seems to be a link between folic acid intake (and B vitamins in general) and eye health support. One seven-year study found that folic acid and other B vitamins may support vision and eye health