Folic Acid: Which Folic Acid Do Women Need?

hello .

In this lesson, we'll look at the basics of folic acid , why women need it , and why you should choose active folic acid .

• folic acid

Folic acid is a representative nutritional supplement for pregnant women . During pregnancy, women require folic acid to help with cell proliferation , fetal growth , and increased blood volume for placental formation . Folic acid deficiency, especially in early pregnancy, can lead to congenital defects in the fetus's spine and nervous system. Therefore, a daily intake of 600 μg is recommended from the time of pregnancy preparation to the first 1 to 4 months of pregnancy .

However, folic acid intake is 400 μg per day for non-pregnant women as well as pregnant women .

Of course, it is ideal to meet the recommended intake through foods rich in folic acid ( garland crown daisy , quail eggs , spinach , perilla leaves , strawberries ( raw ), chives , red pepper leaves, etc. ) , but since it is difficult to consume the required amount through food , many people use folic acid supplements after consulting a specialist .

• Why Women Need Folic Acid

Folic acid is often mistaken as a nutrient only for women who are trying to conceive or are trying to become pregnant .

However, if we look at the results of the analysis of the current status of treatment for diseases that require attention in celebration of International Women's Day by the Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service , we can resolve this misconception .

[ Table 6] Status of treatment for anemia ( iron deficiency , folic acid deficiency ) by gender (unit : people , thousand days , million won )

Source : Ministry of Health and Welfare press release

According to the table above , the number of female patients who visited the hospital due to ‘ folic acid deficiency anemia ’ was 2,398 , which was 2.5 times higher than that of male patients .

Also , [ Table 8] Number of patients with folic acid deficiency anemia by gender and age group (unit : people )

Source : Ministry of Health and Welfare press release

According to the table above , the incidence of folate deficiency anemia among women in their 20s to 50s was at least twice that of men of the same age .

Based on these points, we can see that folic acid is one of the essential nutrients for women of all ages, even if they are not preparing for pregnancy or during the pregnancy period .

• Why Choose Active Folic Acid

So what kind of folic acid should we take?

By comparing three types of folate - natural folic acid, synthetic folic acid, and activated folic acid - you can see why you should choose activated folic acid.

Natural folic acid ? Synthetic folic acid ?

Natural folic acid has a lower absorption rate of less than 60% compared to synthetic folic acid.
Synthetic folic acid has a 90% higher absorption rate than natural folic acid, but
It must be converted to an active form to work in the body.

But in this process, it does not become active
In some cases, incomplete folate metabolites are produced.
These incomplete folate metabolites must be taken with caution as they can cause cancer, inflammation and oxidative damage when accumulated in the body.

Active folic acid ?

Active folic acid ( ( Metafolin® / Quatrefolic® ) does not need to be converted to active form in the small intestine and is readily available, so it has a high absorption rate in the body . In addition, incomplete folic acid metabolites are not produced, so there is no need to worry about their accumulation .

Therefore, after comparing natural folic acid , synthetic folic acid , and activated folic acid , we recommend choosing activated folic acid when consuming folic acid .

Rokit America 40+women uses only the active form of folic acid .

Rokit America for 40+ women

Additional information can be found by clicking on the photos below .

We will come back with more useful health information next time .

thank you !

[References ]

[1] Food Safety Country “ Emphasis Nutrients ”

[2] Ministry of Health and Welfare press release, Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service “ Diseases that women should be careful about are thyroid disease in their 30s and iron deficiency anemia in their 40s.

[3] Pharmacist https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djDdd5l0w9U

[4] Pharmacist https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jebxistQAZQ