Vitamin B9, or Folate as it is commonly known, is an essential nutrient that plays a critical role in many bodily functions. Folate is found as Folic Acid in supplements. Commonly discussed as vital for women of childbearing age, Folic Acid offers many more health benefits for women and men of all ages. Throughout this blog we will discuss how folic acid, specifically in the form of methyl folate, can help with the fertility of both men and women, its cardiovascular benefits, its role in cognitive function, and even some anti-aging properties.
What is Methyl Folate?
Most supplemental forms of folic acid are synthetic, which requires the body to perform a series of chemical steps to make it ‘active’ or usable. At R3 Health, our supplemental form of folic acid is Methylfolate. We prefer to use the methylated form of folic acid because of its active bioavailability, meaning the body is able to use it without needing additional steps to process it into a usable form.
Key Functions of Methyl Folate
Fertility
Folic Acid plays an important role in fertility for both men and women. In men, optimal levels are associated with improved count, motility, and quality of sperm. Studies have shown that men with a higher intake have lower rates of sperm abnormalities, which increases the likelihood of successful fertilization.
In women, optimal folic acid levels are essential for the development of healthy eggs, or oocytes. Healthy levels of folic acid in women of childbearing years is also important as it prepares the body for a healthy pregnancy and reduces the risk of complications such as neural tube defects.
Cardiovascular Health
One of the primary roles of methylfolate in the body is to convert homocysteine into methionine, which is necessary for several biochemical processes. When this does not occur as it should, the body has an increased amount of homocysteine. Overtime, elevated homocysteine levels can increase the risk of a cardiovascular event or the development of a cardiovascular disease. Because of this, it is important to prioritize healthy folic acid levels to help prevent the risk of a cardiac event.
Cognitive Function
In addition to increasing the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, prolonged elevated homocysteine levels can increase a patient’s risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases. Supplementing with bioavailable methylfolate can help lower circulating homocysteine levels and reduce the risk of developing diseases like Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
Folic acid is also involved in the production of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. These chemicals are crucial for mood regulation, memory, and cognitive functions. Optimal levels of folic acid support the synthesis of these neurotransmitters, which can help improve mood and cognitive performance.
Anti-Aging Properties
As we age, our DNA strands start to break and our body naturally slows down its ability to repair damaged DNA. Folic Acid can help with these issues, as it is crucial for DNA synthesis and repair. These functions are needed to maintain the integrity of our body’s genetic material. This means that folic acid is helping with healthy cell division and protection against cellular mutation.
Folic acid has also been shown to have antioxidant properties, which help protect cells from oxidative stress and damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cellular components, leading to premature aging and the development of age-related diseases. By neutralizing free radicals, folic acid helps reduce oxidative damage, reducing the risk of developing chronic diseases often associated with aging.
Conclusion
5-MTHF supplementation is often linked to pregnancy and prenatal care. Through this blog, we wanted to establish that folic acid truly is a supplement that is beneficial for both men and women of many different age groups. Supplementing with Folic Acid, especially in a methylated form, can be very impactful for your overall health. Consult with your R3 Health provider to see if our 5-MTHF would be a good addition to your supplement routine!
