“Is this a scam to make money?”
“Is this something pregnant women should take?”
“I have high blood pressure, why was I prescribed folic acid? Is there a mistake?”
1. What will happen if I take a folic acid tablet every day for 6 months?
Uncle Li, 57 years old, was diagnosed with hypertension during a company health check-up 4 years ago. He has been controlling his diet to stabilize his blood pressure. Initially, his condition was under control as he had mild hypertension and did not require medication. His blood pressure fluctuated around 155/88 mmHg without any noticeable signs of illness.
One day, while at a follow-up visit, he saw a fellow patient taking folic acid and couldn’t help but be curious. Why would a man like him take this medicine?
The patient explained that folic acid, which costs just a few yuan, can help lower blood pressure. Initially skeptical, Uncle Li only believed it after his homocysteine levels were found to be abnormal. The doctor then prescribed him a bottle of inexpensive folic acid, and following the advice, Uncle Li continued taking it.
Unexpectedly, after six months of taking folic acid, his blood pressure indeed decreased significantly and remained stable. However, he couldn’t help but wonder why a bottle of cheap folic acid had such a miraculous effect?
2. Folic acid tablets: The many benefits of this small supplement!
Folic acid, also known as vitamin B9, is an essential member of the B-vitamin family found in many natural foods. Since the body cannot synthesize this substance, it needs to be supplemented through dietary intake to meet daily requirements. Especially for middle-aged and elderly individuals, a lack of folic acid can lead to various health risks, making it crucial to ensure adequate folic acid intake.
A folic acid deficiency generally results in elevated homocysteine levels. Many may not know what homocysteine is, but this indicator is closely related to the risks of cardiovascular diseases, central nervous system diseases, and eye diseases. Medical studies have shown that a 25% reduction in homocysteine levels can decrease the risk of coronary heart disease by 11% and stroke by 19%.
For individuals at high risk of cardiovascular diseases and those with hypertension who also have elevated homocysteine levels (≥15 micromoles per liter), supplementation with folic acid is recommended for improvement.
In addition to cardiovascular protection, research has revealed that folic acid can also improve conditions such as macrocytic anemia, chronic kidney disease, dementia prevention, depression, and male sexual dysfunction. Nowadays, more and more middle-aged and elderly individuals are recognizing the importance of supplementing with folic acid, but misconceptions often arise during intake.
3. Can consuming too much folic acid lead to cancer? Fact or fiction?
#Does consuming too much folic acid really cause cancer# gained popularity. There have been rumors that the more folic acid one consumes, the higher the risk of cancer. Is this claim true?
This belief stems from a study by a research team at Fudan University published in a sub-journal of “Nature.” The researchers fed varying doses of folic acid to mice with liver cancer and observed the progression of the disease. They found that mice in the high-dose folic acid group had faster liver cancer deterioration. Although the study did not prove folic acid’s carcinogenic risk, it highlighted the potential for accelerated cancer development with excessive folic acid intake.
In reality, folic acid plays a dual role in cancer. Adequate folic acid supplementation also plays a role in preventing cancer risks. Research has shown that consuming sufficient folic acid can reduce the risk of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas by about half, as well as the risk of oral, throat, some esophageal, and pancreatic cancers.
The National Institutes of Health in the United States have also made statements regarding folic acid supplementation, indicating that natural folic acid in food can help lower cancer risks. However, the use of folic acid supplements necessitates proper dosages, duration, and consideration of pre-cancer vs. post-cancer consumption. Supplementing with folic acid before cancer onset may reduce the risk, whereas consumption after cancer diagnosis could potentially exacerbate the progression of the cancer.
Nevertheless, this claim currently remains debatable due to limitations in related research studies. More studies and evidence are needed to confirm the role of dietary folic acid and folic acid supplements in cancer risk.
In conclusion, consuming folic acid in moderation can help prevent cancer, while deficiencies or excess intake may increase the risk of cancer.
4. The “natural folic acid” discovery that many are unaware of
A folic acid deficiency in the body can lead to elevated homocysteine levels, which are often linked to strokes.
Folic acid aids in maintaining normal endothelial function within blood vessels, reducing the risk of chronic cardiovascular diseases such as coronary heart disease. Further studies have shown that folic acid also helps lower the risk of strokes. Unfortunately, 20% to 60% of the population in China lacks sufficient folic acid intake.
Since the body cannot synthesize folic acid, it must be obtained externally through diet, such as through food supplements. For middle-aged and elderly individuals, the best way to obtain folic acid is through natural sources in ingredients. Here are three types of food that should be consumed more:
1. Vegetables
Many vegetables contain high amounts of folic acid, with some surpassing 100 micrograms per 100 grams of vegetables. Therefore, consuming a variety of vegetables daily can supplement folic acid intake. Vegetables like rapeseed, shepherd’s purse, tomatoes, and Chinese cabbage should be consumed in their fresh form to preserve their nutrients like folic acid.
2. Animal liver
Although liver is a detoxifying organ and should not be consumed frequently, many animal livers are rich in folic acid and can be eaten once or twice a week.
3. Eggs
A 50-gram egg contains approximately 56.6 micrograms of folic acid, making it a rich source of this nutrient. Eggs are a common and nutritious food and can be safely consumed daily to supplement essential nutrients.
While folic acid supplementation is beneficial for health, it is only necessary for individuals with severe folic acid deficiencies. If you don’t have a folic acid deficiency, you can focus on dietary intake, consuming foods rich in folic acid. If uncertain, consult a doctor for advice on scientifically supplementing folic acid doses.
References:
[1] “Top 5 Natural Folic Acid-Rich Foods, Unknown to Most People, Eating Well Benefits Health.” Middle-aged and Elderly Times. April 10, 2024.
[2] “Top Search! Can Overconsumption of Folic Acid Cause Cancer? Safer Ways to Supplement!” Scientific Rebuttal. January 24, 2024.
[3] “The Benefits of ‘Folic Acid’ Have Been Underestimated: Not Just Controlling Blood Pressure, It Can Also Prevent Strokes.” Life Times. September 12, 2022.
Unauthorized reproduction without the author’s permission is prohibited.
