By: Jack Whalen
Folate, a nutrient for our bodies, often takes a seat in conversations compared to popular vitamins: vitamin D or vitamin C. It is vitamin B9 in food and water-soluble forms and is also available as folic acid supplements. Interestingly, the body absorbs these supplements more efficiently than folate from other sources—around 85% versus 50%. Folate plays a role in DNA and RNA synthesis and aids protein metabolism. It helps break down homocysteine, an amino acid that can harm the body with high levels. Moreover, folate is crucial for blood cell production. This process becomes especially vital during growth phases such as pregnancy and fetal development. Folate can have many benefits for the body, including learning differences. Adequate folate intake can lower the risk of cancers. It also helps reduce the likelihood of heart disease by regulating homocysteine levels. Elevated levels of homocysteine can lead to heart-related issues like heart attacks and strokes. A folate deficiency may result in higher levels of this; however, supplementing with sufficient folate can aid in breaking down excess homocysteine, thus decreasing the risk of heart disease.
In terms of cognition, folate plays a role in maintaining brain function.
Folate impacts the production of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine to regulate mood and cognitive abilities. Research suggests that folate deficiency may be linked to cognitive decline and an increased risk of neurodegenerative conditions, such as Alzheimer's disease. Adequate folate intake has been associated with improved cognitive performance, memory, and concentration. Also, ADHD, predominantly inattentive type, is strongly associated with lower levels of folate. This association is independent of age and gender. Moreover, offspring's hyperactivity and peer relation problems are associated with lower maternal folate red blood cells and total folate in early pregnancy. In addition, folic acid improves restless leg syndrome, which is very common in children with ADHD.
There have also been studies showing that Maternal exposure to folic acid and multivitamin supplements before pregnancy was statistically significantly associated with a lower likelihood of ASD in the offspring compared with no exposure before pregnancy. Folic acid, a B vitamin, may lower autism risk and ease features of the condition, according to findings from five unrelated studies published over the past few months. Three of the studies suggest that prenatal supplements of folic acid offset autism risk associated with in-utero exposure to epilepsy drugs or toxic chemicals. The supplements are also known to prevent congenital disabilities. Another study found that people with autism and their immediate family members are more likely than controls to carry immune molecules that could block folate's passage into the brain. While folate can be supplemented, many foods contain folate. Also, it is recommended that a person have a "certain amount of folate."
Bibliography
Folate (folic acid). (n.d.). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved February 29, 2024, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-folate/art-20364625
Folate (Folic Acid) – Vitamin B9 | The Nutrition Source | Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. (n.d.). Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Retrieved February 29, 2024, from https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/folic-acid/
Folate - Health Professional Fact Sheet. (2022, November 30). NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. Retrieved February 29, 2024, from https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Folate-HealthProfessional/
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