Generally speaking, folic acid will remind people that during pregnancy, doctors will ask for folic acid supplementation. But in fact, many doctors also recommend recommending more folic acid supplements for the elderly. Why?

The elderly Why should also supplement folic acid?

A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association showed that the number of nerve cells in the brain declines significantly after the age of 30, and after the age of 65, the risk of Alzheimer's will greatly increase.

A recent study found that lack of folic acid in the blood of the elderly may increase the risk of dementia or death.

The study's analysis found that older adults who were deficient in folate had a 68 percent higher risk of developing dementia than those with normal folate levels.

Therefore, the elderly should supplement folic acid in time. Folic acid supplementation can effectively reduce the level of homocysteine ​​to prevent Alzheimer's disease and stroke.

At the same time, appropriate supplementation of folic acid in the elderly can also help prevent anemia and gynecological malignancies, and improve menopausal symptoms.

A small piece of folic acid has a big effect

To put it simply, it is also a type of vitamin, called vitamin B9, which is an indispensable substance for cell growth and division in the human body, during reproduction, and for the development of the neural tube in the embryo during pregnancy.

With the development of modern scientific research and the progress of medical level, many new clinical effects of folic acid have also been discovered.

1. Reduce the risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases

Chinese residents obviously lack the intake of green leafy vegetables in their diet, so folic acid is generally lacking, and insufficient folic acid intake can significantly increase the level of HCY and induce cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, especially stroke.

2. Treatment of anemia in the elderly

With age, the hematopoietic system of the elderly will also degenerate to varying degrees, so senile anemia is more likely to occur, and if folic acid is lacking, the risk is greater.

Therefore, in order to treat anemia, it is very necessary to supplement enough folic acid, which is one of the raw materials for the body's hematopoiesis.

3. Treatment of oral ulcers

Folic acid can accelerate the growth of epithelial cells and the speed of mucosal tissue repair, and has a certain effect on the treatment of oral ulcers. Patients with oral ulcers can take it under the guidance of a physician.

4. Improve sperm quality

If a male friend lacks folic acid in the body, it can affect the concentration of semen and weaken the motility of sperm. Therefore, men with fertility plans can also pay attention to appropriate supplements to improve sperm quality.

How to supplement folic acid deficiency correctly?

1. The amount should be supplemented

• Pregnant women: Under normal circumstances, it is necessary to start preparing folic acid supplements from at least 3 months before pregnancy or pregnancy. Generally speaking, it is enough to eat 400-800mcg a day until the third month of pregnancy.

• The elderly: People with folic acid deficiency can take folic acid supplements, especially the elderly, who are at high risk of folic acid deficiency. It is recommended to consume 5-15mg of folic acid per day.

2. Daily food supplements

Food supplements are also an effective way to supplement folic acid, especially green leafy vegetables, which are rich in folic acid, such as spinach, lettuce, spinach, rape, cauliflower, etc., which can supplement folic acid deficiency.

3. These three situations are not suitable for supplementation

① Those who are allergic to folic acid and its metabolites;

② People who are intolerant to folic acid;

③ The megaloblastic anemia caused by vitamin B12 deficiency cannot be treated by folic acid supplement alone.

Although folic acid is good, the supplement should not be excessive, otherwise it may cause toxic and side effects, especially it will affect the absorption of zinc, resulting in intrauterine growth retardation and low birth weight of the newborn.

And excessive supplementation will mask the early symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency, which may damage nerves in the long run.

Summary: Although folic acid is good, it needs to be supplemented on time and in the amount under the guidance of a doctor. Normal people can eat more green leafy vegetables to achieve the amount required by the body.