Who should take folic acid supplements and what is the role of folic acid?

Women preparing for pregnancy, pregnant women and patients with anemia need to supplement folic acid. The main effects of folic acid include preventing fetal neural tube defects, promoting red blood cell production, and reducing homocysteine ​​levels.

1. Women preparing for pregnancy

Women preparing for pregnancy should start supplementing with folic acid 3 months before pregnancy, and the recommended daily intake is 400 micrograms. Folic acid helps reduce the risk of fetal neural tube defects, such as spina bifida and anencephaly. Supplementing folic acid during pregnancy preparation can also improve egg quality and increase the probability of pregnancy. It is recommended to supplement with green leafy vegetables, animal liver and other foods. If necessary, you can take folic acid tablets as directed by your doctor.

2. Pregnant women

Pregnant women's demand for folic acid increases to 600 micrograms per day, and they need to continue to supplement until they are 3 months pregnant. Folic acid is involved in fetal DNA synthesis and is essential for placental development and fetal organ formation. A lack of folic acid may lead to miscarriage, premature birth, or fetal growth restriction. In addition to taking folic acid supplements, pregnant women can eat more folic acid-rich foods such as oranges and spinach.

3. Anemia patients

Patients with megaloblastic anemia need to be treated with folic acid supplementation and vitamin B12. Folic acid deficiency can cause red blood cell maturation disorders and cause anemia symptoms such as fatigue and paleness. The daily supplement dosage can range from 1 to 5 mg, depending on blood test results. People who take anti-epileptic drugs or birth control pills for a long time are also prone to folic acid deficiency and need to regularly monitor folic acid levels.

4. People at high risk of cardiovascular disease

Folic acid supplementation in patients with hyperhomocysteinemia can reduce the risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Folic acid can promote homocysteine ​​metabolism, and daily supplementation of 0.4-0.8 mg can reduce the blood concentration. Middle-aged and elderly people, patients with hypertension and patients with chronic kidney disease should pay attention to folic acid supplementation, but excessive intake should be avoided to mask the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency.

5. Other special groups

Long-term drinkers, patients with digestive and absorption disorders, and patients with certain genetic and metabolic diseases need additional folic acid supplements. Alcohol will interfere with the absorption and utilization of folic acid, so the daily supplement amount can be up to 1 mg. Patients with Crohn's disease, celiac disease, etc. may need to inject folic acid preparations. Serum folic acid testing should be performed before supplementation to avoid interactions with other medications.

During folic acid supplementation, you should maintain a balanced diet and avoid high-temperature cooking that will destroy the folic acid in food. Monitor folic acid levels with regular blood tests. Excessive supplementation may cause nausea, bloating and other discomforts. The supplement dosage and cycle vary among different groups of people, and it is recommended to develop a personalized plan under the guidance of a doctor or nutritionist. At the same time, pay attention to the synergistic supplement of vitamin B12 to ensure the balance of nutrient metabolism.