Folic acid, also known as vitamin B9, is a water-soluble vitamin that is essential for the body's normal metabolism and health. Folic acid plays a key role in cell division and DNA synthesis and is therefore particularly important for the health of pregnant women and fetuses.

Folic acid can be found in many foods, including green leafy vegetables, legumes, orange fruits, and whole-grain bread, among others. However, because cooking and processing processes can destroy folic acid, food intake alone may not be enough to provide the body with enough folic acid.

Therefore, for pregnant women and certain groups of people, such as the elderly, people with certain medical conditions, or people who are taking certain medications, their doctors may recommend additional folic acid supplements.

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A 56-year-old man who insists on taking one tablet of folic acid every day, what changes will occur in his body after half a year?

Mr. Peng, 56, is at the helm of a factory. He has a busy schedule and often travels between various businesses day and night. Recently, however, he suddenly experienced symptoms such as dizziness and palpitation. At first, he thought it was just the exhaustion of staying up late and didn't pay much attention to it. However, as time passed, his physical condition became more severe, and he began to experience symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, and headaches. He realized the seriousness of the problem and rushed to the hospital for treatment.

After a detailed examination, the doctor found that Mr. Peng's blood pressure was as high as 160/125mmHg, and the blood test results showed that homocysteine was also abnormal. After a series of tests, Mr. Pang was diagnosed with essential hypertension. The doctor prescribed him some blood pressure medication and folic acid tablets. When Mr. Peng saw the folic acid tablets, he was very confused. Isn't folic acid tablets only for pregnant women, and why do people with high blood pressure need to take them?

However, the strange thing is that after Mr. Peng took folic acid for a period of time as prescribed by the doctor, his blood pressure actually stabilized. This couldn't help but make him sigh at the magic and mystery of medicine.

Why should patients with high blood pressure take folic acid supplements?

First of all, folic acid is a water-soluble vitamin that is essential for the normal physiological function of the human body. In people with hypertension, folic acid can help reduce plasma levels of homocysteine, which is an important risk factor for hypertension. By supplementing with folic acid, you can promote the metabolism of homocysteine, thereby lowering blood pressure and helping to control the condition.

Secondly, folic acid can also improve vascular endothelial function, which is one of the important mechanisms for the occurrence and development of hypertension. Vascular endothelium is the inner layer of the blood vessel wall, which has the functions of regulating vasomotor and maintaining blood flow. In hypertensive patients, vascular endothelial function is often impaired, resulting in vasomotor dysfunction and increased blood pressure. By supplementing folic acid, it can promote the restoration of vascular endothelial function, thereby improving vasomotor function and lowering blood pressure.

In addition, folic acid can also reduce oxidative stress, which is an important pathological process in patients with hypertension. Oxidative stress is a reaction in which the body increases oxidizing substances and decreases antioxidants, resulting in an increase in free radicals and damage to cells and tissues. By supplementing folic acid, it can promote the synthesis of antioxidants, thereby reducing oxidative stress, reducing damage to cells, and helping to control the disease.

In summary, patients with hypertension need folic acid supplementation to reduce plasma homocysteine levels, improve vascular endothelial function, and reduce oxidative stress. Therefore, folic acid supplementation is an important adjunct in the treatment of hypertensive patients.

Symptoms of a lack of folic acid in the body

Digestive symptoms – Lack of folic acid may lead to digestive disorders, with symptoms such as diarrhea, constipation, bloating, etc.

Neurological symptoms – Folic acid is a substance necessary for the proper functioning of the nervous system, and a lack of folic acid may lead to neurological symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, difficulty concentrating, etc.

Skin symptoms – Lack of folic acid may lead to symptoms such as dryness, scaling, itching, etc.

Hematologic symptoms – Folic acid is one of the main components of red blood cells, and a lack of folic acid may lead to symptoms such as anemia and abnormal red blood cell morphology.

Other symptoms – Lack of folic acid can also lead to symptoms such as fatigue, muscle weakness, insomnia, etc.

It is important to note that different people have different physical conditions and the degree of folic acid deficiency, so the manifestation of symptoms will also vary. If you experience the above symptoms, it is advisable to seek medical attention and consult a medical professional in time so that you can get a correct diagnosis and treatment.

What foods are rich in folic acid?

Spinach – Spinach is one of the foods with the highest folate content. A handful of fresh spinach can provide twice the amount of folic acid the body needs per day.

Swiss chard – Swiss chard is also a folate-rich food, second only to spinach in its folate content.

Legumes – such as lentils, chickpeas, cashews, etc., are rich in folic acid.

Orange fruits and vegetables – such as carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, etc., also contain some folic acid.

Green leafy vegetables – such as lettuce, kale, mustard greens, etc., are all good sources of folate.

Legumes, such as soybeans, green beans, black beans, etc., also contain some folic acid.

Chicken liver – Chicken liver is one of the animal foods with the highest folate content.

Pork liver – Pork liver is also rich in folic acid, which is a good food for pregnant and lactating women to supplement with folic acid.

Avocados – Avocados also contain some folate, which is also good for heart health.