folic acid heart health, folate cardiovascular benefits, vitamin B9 heart disease, folic acid benefits, homocysteine and heart disease, folate deficiency heart risks, folic acid supplements, folate-rich foods, preventing heart disease, folic acid stroke prevention The Heart-Health Benefits of Folic Acid: What You Need to Know Folic acid, the synthetic form of folate (vitamin B9), is…

Folate, also known as vitamin B9, is a water-soluble vitamin critical for numerous bodily functions, including DNA synthesis, red blood cell production, and neural development. A deficiency in folate can lead to a cascade of health issues, ranging from subtle symptoms to severe complications like megaloblastic anemia and neural tube defects in pregnancy. Recognizing the…

Key Points Research suggests folate is the natural form of vitamin B9 found in foods like leafy greens and legumes, while folic acid is its synthetic form used in supplements and fortified foods. It seems likely that folic acid is more bioavailable (85% with food, nearly 100% on an empty stomach) compared to…

Key Points Research suggests folic acid is essential during pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects (NTDs), such as spina bifida and anencephaly, by supporting DNA synthesis and cell division. It seems likely that taking 400–800 mcg of folic acid daily, starting at least one month before conception and continuing through early pregnancy, can…