What does folic acid do for women
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The Benefits of Folic Acid for Women
Folic Acid and Neural Tube Defects Prevention
Folic acid is widely recognized for its critical role in preventing neural tube defects (NTDs) in developing fetuses. Studies have shown that folic acid supplementation before conception and during early pregnancy significantly reduces the risk of NTDs, such as spina bifida and anencephaly2 4 5. The recommended daily intake of folic acid for women planning a pregnancy is typically 0.4 mg, but higher doses, such as 5 mg, are suggested for those at higher risk of NTDs2 5 7. This preventive measure is particularly important because NTDs occur very early in pregnancy, often before a woman knows she is pregnant6.
Folic Acid and Pregnancy Outcomes
Beyond preventing NTDs, folic acid plays a vital role in overall pregnancy health. Adequate folate levels are essential for proper cell division and growth, which are crucial during fetal development. Low folate levels during pregnancy have been associated with adverse outcomes such as preterm delivery, low birth weight, and fetal growth retardation4. Additionally, folic acid helps reduce plasma homocysteine levels, which is linked to a lower risk of pregnancy complications like preeclampsia and placental abruption4.
Folic Acid and Sexual Function in Postmenopausal Women
Recent research has explored the benefits of folic acid beyond reproductive health. A study conducted on postmenopausal women found that daily supplementation with 5 mg of folic acid significantly improved various aspects of sexual function, including desire, orgasm, satisfaction, arousal, and pain reduction1. This suggests that folic acid may have broader implications for women's health, particularly in improving quality of life during menopause.
Folic Acid and Ovarian Reserve
Folic acid may also have a positive impact on ovarian function. A clinical trial is investigating whether folic acid supplementation can improve diminished ovarian reserve (DOR), a condition that affects fertility by reducing the number of viable eggs in the ovaries3. The study aims to determine if folic acid can enhance ovarian reserve markers and improve the chances of pregnancy in women with DOR.
Folic Acid Supplementation Guidelines
Given the widespread benefits of folic acid, health organizations recommend that all women of reproductive age take a daily folic acid supplement, especially if pregnancy is planned or possible. This is crucial because many pregnancies are unplanned, and achieving adequate folate levels before conception is essential for preventing NTDs5 7. In countries with mandatory folic acid food fortification programs, women are still encouraged to take supplements to ensure they meet the recommended intake levels10.
Conclusion
Folic acid is a vital nutrient for women, offering numerous health benefits from preventing neural tube defects to improving pregnancy outcomes and potentially enhancing sexual function in postmenopausal women. Regular supplementation is recommended for all women of reproductive age to ensure optimal health and prevent deficiencies that could lead to serious complications.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
Effect of folic acid on the sexual function of postmenopausal women: a triple-blind randomized controlled trial.
Folic acid may improve sexual function in postmenopausal women, but larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.
RCTQuantifying the effect of folic acid
Increased folic acid intake reduces neural-tube defect risk by about 20%, with greater preventive effect in women with low serum folate levels.
Meta-Analysis
Highly CitedEffect of folic acid supplementation on diminished ovarian reserve: study protocol of a single-centre, open-label, randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trial
Folic acid supplementation may improve diminished ovarian reserve, reducing neural tube defects and abortion rates in women aged 30 to 35 years.
RCT
Rigorous JournalFolic acid: influence on the outcome of pregnancy.
Folic acid supplements during pregnancy reduce the risk of neural tube defects and other poor pregnancy outcomes.
Highly CitedThe use of folic acid for the prevention of neural tube defects and other congenital anomalies.
Folic acid supplementation can help prevent neural tube defects and other congenital anomalies, with minimal harm and personal cost.
Systematic ReviewHighly CitedEffect of once weekly folic acid supplementation on erythrocyte folate concentrations in women to determine potential to prevent neural tube defects: a randomised controlled dose-finding trial in Malaysia
Once weekly folic acid supplementation with iron may be sufficient to raise erythrocyte folate concentrations, potentially reducing the risk of neural tube defects in women.
RCT
Large Human TrialRigorous JournalPre-conceptional vitamin/folic acid supplementation 2007: the use of folic acid in combination with a multivitamin supplement for the prevention of neural tube defects and other congenital anomalies.
Folic acid and multivitamin supplementation before pregnancy can help prevent neural tube defects and other congenital anomalies.
Systematic ReviewHighly CitedFolic acid supplementation during the preconception period: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Preconception folic acid supplementation is highly variable worldwide, with many women not achieving sufficient folate levels to prevent neural tube defects.
Meta-AnalysisRigorous JournalHighly CitedImpact of high-dose folic acid supplementation in pregnancy on biomarkers of folate status and 1-carbon metabolism: An ancillary study of the Folic Acid Clinical Trial (FACT).
High-dose folic acid supplementation in early pregnancy increases maternal serum folate but not RBC folate concentrations, suggesting tissue-specific effects.
RCT
Very Rigorous JournalWomen Taking a Folic Acid Supplement in Countries with Mandatory Food Fortification Programs May Be Exceeding the Upper Tolerable Limit of Folic Acid: A Systematic Review
Women in high-income countries with mandatory food fortification programs may be exceeding the upper tolerable limit of folic acid intake, potentially impacting their health during childbearing years.
Systematic ReviewVery Rigorous Journal