Folic Acid Review – 8 Reasons Why
By Sasha de Beausset Aparicio, MSc, Rebecca Williams, MD, MA, MB, BChir (Expert Reviewer)
Rebecca Williams studied medicine at Cambridge University where she also obtained a degree in Experimental Psychology. A widely known General Practitioner in London, Rebecca also served in Community Pediatrics, and has published research in the field of complementary and alternative medicine.
Rebecca relocated to Johannesburg, South Africa where she has been able to pursue holistic community healthcare by developing a community health training program which she has taught in Mozambique, Zambia, Uganda and Nepal.
Some of Rebecca’s published research can be viewed on Researchgate.
Folic Acid is a dietary supplement formulated to provide benefits on many levels and maintain the overall health, through the action of vitamin B9.
The formula is created by the American producer Alfa Vitamins Laboratories, a reputable manufacturer of nutritional supplements with an international activity. Their capsules, liquids, tablets, powders and creams are sold all over the world using a network of over 1600 retailers and distributors. The manufacturing processes are overseen by a dozen specialists who ensure a high quality and potency of the formulas and the conformity with FDA, USP, and DA regulations.
The product consists of a single active ingredient and promises to support a normal functioning of various human systems, normal growth of cells, and normal development of the fetus during pregnancy. However, the lack of studies involving this specific formula offers no guarantees regarding the claimed benefits.
Folic Acid is intended for the use of adults who suffer from folic acid deficiency or any other related condition and want to reach normal levels in order to lead a healthy life. The vitamin is particularly recommended during pregnancy to prevent defects in the brain and spine of the new born. Besides the listed benefits, folic acid has been shown to have many other qualities that contribute to the achievement of general wellness.
1) Folic Acid Quick Facts
This supplement is a vitamin based formulation.
Vitamin B is part of the B complex, a group of eight water soluble vitamins researched and proven essential for a healthy development and functioning of the human body. The vitamin is present in many vegetal and animal sources: leafy vegetables, beans, mushrooms, fruits, beef liver, beef kidney, tomato, and orange juice. It is not found naturally in the human body.
Folic Acid is a researched substance which in combination with vitamins B12 and C is responsible for the formation and break-down of proteins. This way body can produce red blood cells easier, replicate DNA and multiply cells more effectively. From the many benefits attributed to folic acid, the most important are those for the circulatory system, mental health and for a normal development of infants during pregnancy. It is also considered a powerful anti-cancerous substance, with a crucial function in preventing colon cancer.
The manufacturer recommends 1 tablet of the product per day preferably with a meal. Vitamin B9 may interact with other medication and may cause side effects when the appropriate daily dose is exceeded (nausea, confusion, skin reactions, sleep disorders, etc.). The recommended daily dose is 400 mcg per day.
2) Details on Folic Acid Ingredients and Uses
Folic Acid contains the following ingredients: Folic Acid (800 mcg), Whey, Dicalcium, Phosphate, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Stearic Acid, Croscarmellose Sodium, and Magnesium Stearate.
3) Does Folic Acid Work and it is Safe?
This formula is a vitamin-based dietary supplement. Folic Acid is one of the B vitamins most commonly found in green, leafy vegetables (broccoli, lettuce, and spinach), fruits (lemons, bananas), and meat (beef). In the last 15 years, folic acid has been added to foods like pasta, cereals, and bakery products as part of a healthy, balanced diet.
Deficiency of folic acid may lead to anemia, the inability of the bowel to absorb the necessary substances, liver disease, colitis, certain types of cancers (colon cancer), age-related neurologic problems, osteoporosis, sleeping problems, nerve and muscle pain, etc. For optimal benefits, it is best to use folic acid in combination with other B-complex vitamins.
The vitamin is considered safe when taken in the recommended dose (which is considered to be 400 mcg/day). It may cause some unwanted effects if the suggested dose is exceeded especially in the case of prolonged use. Folic Acid contains twice the daily recommended dose, which is why it should be considered with precaution by people suffering from heart conditions. The main reason is that some research indicates that high doses may increase the risk of heart attack in these people.
The recommended dose is one tablet daily, preferably with a meal. There is no mentioning of any artificial substances or preservatives. Also, there are no testimonials from consumers to support the manufacturer’s claims and benefits. FDA does not approve the use of any dietary supplement for the treatment or prevention of any condition but instead recommends consulting an informed physician before starting to use such products.
4) Folic Acid Health Benefits
- The supplement displays a reduced price for a month’s supply (approximately $2)
- Refunds are offered under certain conditions for unsatisfied consumers
- Online purchasing is done through secured system
- International delivery is ensured
5) Folic Acid Product Warnings
- There is a lack of research involving the supplement, as it is the case for the majority of dietary supplements
- Increased active substance value contained by the formula (200% of the daily adult recommended dose)
- Lack of detailed information about the effects of the product
6) Folic Acid Price
The formula is available for online purchasing. One bottle contains a month’s supply (60 capsules at a 2 per day daily dose). Transactions on the official site are secured using the SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) technology. Shipping charges are different depending on the delivery location and are available after completing an order on the manufacturer’s website.
There is no mentioning about a money back guarantee or free trial period. Alfa Vitamins offers, however, a 100% quality assurance, meaning that the whole value of the product is refunded if the product is sealed and a partial refund in case of opened or partially consumed products. Shipping charges are not refundable.
7) Directions For Taking Folic Acid
The effectiveness of this formula is not supported by clinical evidence. There is no proof of a clinical trial involving this specific formula.
8) Our Verdict on Folic Acid
Folic Acid nutritional supplement is offered in bottles containing 100 tablets of folic acid for the support of adults who are interested in maintaining the health of their body and mind. The vitamin is particularly recommended to pregnant women and women who plan on getting pregnant due to extremely important benefits the nutrient has on the healthy development of the fetus.
The formula is not FDA evaluated and is not clinically researched. Moreso, there is no customer testimonial to support the manufacturer’s claims.
For a full list of benefits, side effects and potential interactions it is always recommended to inform a healthcare professional.
Common Folic Acid Questions and Answers
- Recent:
Folic Acid includes the following ingredients: Folic Acid (800 mcg), Whey, Dicalcium, Phosphate, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Stearic Acid, Croscarmellose Sodium, and Magnesium Stearate.
Folic Acid dietary supplement is a vitamin based product offered as a support for individuals concerned with maintaining their overall health. The vitamin is particularly recommended to pregnant women, as it helps prevent birth defects. Folic Acid was shown to be beneficial for a large number of other conditions that affect the heart, brain, bones and muscles, memory, liver, and kidneys. The deficiency of folic acid has been linked with birth defects as the vitamin is responsible for RNA and DNA synthesis. Folic Acid is recommended for the use of adults only.
Alfa Vitamins' Folic Acid dietary supplement is a classic dietary supplement based on a single active ingredient. This formula offers twice the recommended daily value for an adult; however, absorption is done at a slower rate than from natural, dietary sources. The supplement is offered in 100 tablet bottles which are sufficient for three months of use.
There is little information available about this specific formula, as it can only be purchased from the official site. But you can find a large amount of information about Folic acid supplements available from independent scientific research and studies.
The product is advertised as beneficial for cell growth and infant development, but the benefits of the active substance have been widely studied throughout the years. More research is still needed to prove some of the claimed benefits.
I am trying to get pregnant and I read that it is very important that in the first few weeks the folic acid plays an important role in the baby’s brain development. So I am prepared to do all I can to have a healthy child. So far I feel good and hopefully I’ll get pregnant soon!