Although modern science popularization has become more and more popular, there are still many people who know little about folic acid. Perhaps, it is only after pregnancy or a significant other that people begin to learn about it.
Most people only know that women who are pregnant or trying to conceive need folic acid because it plays an important role in the growth and development of the fetus and can prevent fetal malformations. However, they may know little about the other effects of folic acid.
In fact, folic acid also has non-negligible benefits for the elderly. A reasonable intake of folic acid may be able to help the elderly avoid the formation of blood clots in the brain, so as to maintain the health of the body.
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What is folic acid?
Folic acid, also known as vitamin B9, is a water-soluble vitamin, and its presence is essential for the proper functioning of the human body. Folic acid plays an irreplaceable role in the human body and is closely related to life activities such as DNA synthesis, cell division and growth.
In the human body, folic acid is involved in the transfer of one carbon unit, which is a key step in many important biosynthetic reactions. In addition, folic acid is essential for the formation of red blood cells and plays an integral role in maintaining the normal function of the immune system. For pregnant women, folic acid is a key nutrient for the prevention of fetal neural tube defects.
In modern society, with the increasing attention of people to health issues, the importance of folic acid is becoming more and more prominent, and many nutrition experts and doctors have emphasized it, especially the elderly.
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Why is folic acid supplementation recommended for middle-aged and older adults?
First of all, as we age, the body's metabolism gradually slows down, and the ability to absorb and utilize nutrients also decreases accordingly. As a key water-soluble vitamin, folic acid is involved in a variety of important biochemical reactions in the body, such as DNA synthesis and amino acid metabolism. Folic acid supplementation helps to increase the efficiency of these biochemical reactions, thereby maintaining the normal functioning of the body.
Secondly, folic acid has a positive effect on the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Middle-aged and elderly people have a high incidence of cardiovascular disease, and folic acid can reduce the risk of blood vessel damage and arteriosclerosis by reducing homocysteine levels in the blood. This undoubtedly escorts the cardiovascular health of middle-aged and elderly people.
Folic acid is also essential for the health of the nervous system. As we age, the function of the nervous system gradually declines, and it is easy to have problems such as memory loss and sluggish reactions.
Folic acid is an essential nutrient for the proper functioning of the nervous system, and its supplementation helps to delay this decline process and maintain mental agility and memory in middle-aged and elderly people.
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To prevent cerebral infarction in the elderly, folic acid supplementation is very important
Folic acid supplementation plays a crucial role in the prevention of cerebral infarction, and this mechanism is mainly achieved by reducing high homocysteine levels.
High homocysteine is a potential health hazard that is closely linked to the aging of smooth muscle cells. When homocysteine levels are elevated, smooth muscle cells may accelerate aging, further leading to the development of arteriosclerosis.
Arteriosclerosis is a serious vascular disease that not only weakens the elasticity of blood vessels, but also may trigger various cerebrovascular pathologies, including cerebral infarction.
To verify the effectiveness of folic acid supplementation in reducing the risk of cerebral infarction, the New England Journal of Medicine published a statistical report. The report shows that the incidence of stroke has decreased significantly after the implementation of the mandatory folic acid supplementation policy in the United States.
This remarkable achievement is largely due to the US government's aggressive efforts over the past decade to make folic acid mandatory in flour.
Since 1998, this strategic health intervention has been in place in the United States, aiming to achieve a broad and effective supplement of folic acid through the daily diet.
This initiative not only increases public awareness of the importance of folic acid, but also provides a safe and effective means of reducing the risk of hyperhomocysteinemia.
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How to supplement correctly?The doctor summarized 3 points
Dietary supplements are preferred
Our primary focus is on dietary supplements, choosing fresh vegetables and fruits such as spinach, lettuce, rape, cauliflower, oranges, strawberries, cherries, etc., which are all excellent sources of folic acid.
Organ meats, soy products, nuts and grains are also good sources of folic acid. By combining three meals properly, we can meet the body's need for folic acid.
Folic acid supplements
However, when our body's need for folic acid cannot be met through food, especially for the elderly, folic acid supplements can be opted for under the advice of a doctor.
When choosing, it is not necessary to go overboard with the price or the brand, as the ingredients are the same regardless of the packaging. The key is to buy the right product for you and supplement it according to your doctor's advice.
Caution Dosage
Although folic acid is an important nutrient in the body, excessive supplementation may cause adverse effects on our health. For example, excess folic acid may mask early manifestations of vitamin B12 deficiency, which can lead to neurological damage.
In addition, consuming more than 350 mg of folic acid may affect zinc absorption, leading to zinc deficiency. Taking a large amount of folic acid may also cause symptoms such as anorexia, nausea and vomiting, and bloating. Therefore, when supplementing folic acid, the elderly must strictly follow the dosage recommended by their doctor to ensure their health and safety.