Folic acid is a form of folate, also known as vitamin B9. The body cannot make this water-soluble vitamin or store it. So the risk of build-up is low.
Folic acid partakes in the division and growth of cells, DNA maintenance and protection, and the production of neurotransmitters. Folate deficiency is common, and because it is essential in every single process in your body, it is so risky that it has become a mandatory law in North America to fortify certain food products with folic acid.
After the body converts folic acid to its active and usable form, it collaborates with vitamins like C, B12, and B6 to break down proteins and control their levels in the blood. Low folate levels may lead to unhealthy blood pressure and heart diseases. Anaemia and other unhealthy cell growth conditions are sometimes linked to folate values.
Well-known to most people, folic acid is vital for a healthy pregnancy and embryo development. But because of its role in cell production and growth, it is also crucial to the male reproductive system and the production of healthy sperm.
Folic acid is in our all supplements, including Daily Essential Men and Nightly Reload Men. The folic acid in our nightly supplements helps you to have the highest quality of rest, allowing you to rejuvenate at the cellular level and start all fresh in the morning. Throughout the day, the folic acid in Essential Men will enhance your immune system, energy levels, and clarity, helping you feel your absolute best.
What is folic acid, and why is it important for men?
Folic acid, also known as vitamin B9, is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in cell growth and development. It is essential for men as it helps in the production and maintenance of new cells, including red blood cells. Folic acid also helps to prevent birth defects in infants and reduces the risk of certain types of cancer.
How much folic acid should men take daily?
Men should aim to get 400 micrograms of folic acid daily from their diet or supplements. However, those trying to conceive with their partner or those with a history of neural tube defects in their family should take a higher dose of folic acid, up to 1,000 micrograms daily.
What does low folic acid in men mean?
Low folic acid, or folate deficiency, can lead to various health issues in men. This deficiency may cause symptoms such as fatigue, irritability, headaches, and anemia. Over time, low folic acid levels can contribute to cognitive issues and raise the risk of heart disease due to increased homocysteine levels. A deficiency in folic acid may also affect fertility, as folate is essential for healthy sperm production and quality.
What are some food sources of folic acid?
Folic acid is found naturally in many foods, including leafy green vegetables, beans, lentils, citrus fruits, and fortified breakfast cereals.
Can men take too much folic acid?
While folic acid is generally safe, taking high doses of folic acid can mask symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency, which can lead to nerve damage if left untreated. It is important to talk to a healthcare provider before taking high doses of folic acid.
How does folic acid benefit fertility in men?
Folate duties such as DNA maintenance, cell production, and cell growth are all impactful factors in male fertility. Many products and supplements marketed to improve male fertility contain folic acid and zinc. While the debate is still ongoing, scientists agree the combination may boost fertility.
Most research finds folic acid and zinc supplementation successful in promoting sperm quality and concentration in the semen. In one study in 2002 of 108 fertile and 103 subfertile males, six months of supplementing the folic acid and zinc combo increased the sperm count of the subfertile group by 74%.
Other studies add nutrients like vitamin E and selenium to the supplementation mix. But the main point is ensuring that you are not deficient and are generally well nourished.
Can folic acid reduce the risk of prostate cancer in men?
Some studies suggest that folic acid may reduce the risk of prostate cancer in men, but the evidence is inconclusive. More research is needed to determine the exact role of folic acid in preventing prostate cancer.
How does folic acid benefit heart health?
Worldwide, heart disease is the prominent cause of death. The numbers vary in different regions, but approximately every one in three deaths is because of heart conditions.
Along with other water-soluble vitamins like vitamins C and B12, folate is responsible for the breakdown of proteins and amino acids, including homocysteine. When folate values are low, homocysteine levels are not regulated, so they increase. High levels can cause Hyperhomocysteinemia, which leads to high blood pressure and heart conditions.
Folic acid promotes blood flow and manages your metabolism. Several studies have found that folic acid supplementation can aid in keeping homocysteine levels under control and lower the risk of heart disease.
Supplementing folic acid is a safe and accessible solution for ensuring heart health. Its contribution to healthy blood flow and preventing heart diseases has made it a fundamental ingredient in all Sanbera products, daily and nightly.
Who needs folic acid supplements?
While folate deficiency is common, unhealthily high folate values are rare. Like the rest of the water-soluble vitamins, folate levels have a low risk of becoming harmfully high. Your body excretes the excess amounts.
The importance of folate in preventing birth defects makes it more concerning for women than men. Men usually consume more than the required daily folate value through their diet. But a little more through daily supplements seems to be safe and beneficial. But note that you should consult your doctor before taking folic acid if you have any medical condition.
In all of our supplements, we only use the most scientifically validated ingredients with the highest bioavailability.
Our vegan plant-based formulas are proven to deliver optimal results that last. Here's a summary of a recent study by Dr. Marc D. Emerson on patients' biomarkers before and after taking Sanbera: a case study on Healing The Self.
Why would a doctor prescribe folic acid for a man?
A doctor might prescribe folic acid to men with low folate levels due to diet, health conditions, or lifestyle factors. As mentioned, folic acid plays an essential role in the body, helping prevent anemia, reducing homocysteine levels for heart health, and supporting mental clarity. Men who have specific health needs—such as managing high homocysteine levels related to heart health, improving sperm quality when trying to conceive, or boosting cognitive performance—may be recommended folic acid supplements by their healthcare provider.
Folic acid and mental health
We need folic acid to convert proteins to methionine, a necessary chemical in neurotransmitter production. Low folate levels may lead to brain impairment, cognitive disorders like dementia, and mental conditions like schizophrenia.
To better understand the importance of vitamin B9 for healthy brain function, you should know that its deficiency symptoms include confusion, foggy thoughts, anxiety, and depression. The antioxidant properties of vitamin B9 reduce brain inflammation and may prevent conditions like dementia. According to research studied 180 people with mild cognitive impairment, moderate doses of folic acid supplementation were beneficial in breaking down proteins related to Alzheimer’s disease and improving overall brain function.
In recent decades, mental disorders have been one of the major worldwide health concerns. Most people have experienced anxiety and depression symptoms or other mental conditions in the past or are currently going through them.
Research shows that people with mental health conditions, such as depression, are more at risk of having suboptimal folate values.
Although research on this subject has a long way to go, other studies suggest that taking folic acid supplements can boost the influence of prescribed medication in treating depression.
In Sanbera, we understand the value of brain functionality and mental health as lenses we see and live life through. Our supplements contain all the essential nutrients, like folic acid, that your brain needs to function at its best.
Folic acid benefits hair and skin.
Folate assists in healthy cell division, growth, and the production and protection of DNA. Therefore your folate levels immensely affect the health of your hair, skin, and nail cells, which heal and grow daily.
Hair loss is a common concern for men. The number of supplements and hair products targeted toward hair loss makes sense when you consider that 8 out of 10 men and over half of the women experience significant hair loss during their lifetime. Because of its part in cell production, low folate values may lead to premature greying of hair and slower hair growth.
One study of 52 male and female participants experiencing prematurely grey hair discovered that their blood levels of vitamins B9, B12, and B7 were suboptimal.
Fighting wrinkles, lines, sun damage, and skin cancer are all benefits of folic acid. It keeps your skin hydrated and your cell production healthy while you enjoy the sun.
We formulated our supplements with only premium ingredients to address the health concerns of our modern living. Not only healthier skin and hair but also an enhanced immune function, higher energy levels, promoted sleep, better mood, more focus, and more.
Reviews
“I've been taking this plant-based supplement with folic acid for a few weeks now and already feel a noticeable difference in my energy levels. I appreciate that it's made from acerola and guarana and contains folic acid, which is essential for men's health. Highly recommend giving it a try!” — Samuel Keller
“As someone who follows a plant-based diet, finding a supplement with folic acid that is also vegan can be a challenge. This product checked all the boxes and has become a staple in my daily routine. It's easy to digest and has helped improve my overall health.” — David Petrichtche
“I was recommended to take a plant-based supplement with folic acid by my doctor and decided to give this one a try. After taking it consistently for a few weeks, I've noticed a significant improvement in my mood and energy levels. I'm impressed with the quality of the ingredients and will continue to use it regularly.” — Luca Meier
“I've always been skeptical of supplements, but after doing some research, I decided to try this plant-based one with folic acid. I'm glad I did - it's made a positive impact on my overall health, and I feel more energized and focused throughout the day. It's great to know that I'm taking something good for me and the environment.” — Chris Huber
“I have a busy and active lifestyle and need all the help I can get to stay on top of my game. This plant-based supplement with folic acid has been a game-changer for me. I highly recommend it to any man looking to take their health to the next level.” — Stefan Schmidt