Folate is the synthetic form of folic acid and is well-known as a type of B vitamin useful for body cell maintenance and repair, synthesis of DNA and RNA, metabolism of amino acids, formation of erythrocytes and leukocytes, and many more.

Extracted from various natural sources, such as green vegetables, fruits, dried beans and peas, folate supplements are also consumed by pregnant women to prevent birth defects and support the development of the fetus.

Reported Effects

1) Heals injuries in a speedy manner.

2) Develops strong muscle cells.

3) Repairs muscle tissue.

Reported effects include:

Develops strong muscle cells – Folate supplements are a great aid in ones diet to improve the strength of muscle cells in the body. Folate is responsible for generation of red blood cells and white blood cells in the body and therefore strengthens the immune system and allows muscle cells to gain energy.

Heals injuries faster – Another important benefit of folate is its ability to heal wounds and injuries caused due to heavy physical workouts, especially during spors activities, bodybuilding, and weightlifting.

Allows effective functioning of the brain and nervous system – Folate also helps induce the secretion of chemicals that promote proper functioning of the brain and nerves in the human body.

Supports fetal development – One of the key benefits of folate is its ability to produce erythrocytes which are essential for normal development and growth of the brain and spinal cord of an unborn child.

Prevents potential diseases – Folate is considered as a highly essential supplement for everyone. Its therapeutic properties are known to be effective for the possible treatment of coronary heart diseases, breast and cervical cancers, dementia, Alzheimer’s diseases, and so on.

Repairs muscle tissue – Women especially, who are into excessive training exercises, bodybuilding, or other sports activity can take supplements of folate to facilitate repair of the damaged muscle tissue.

Supports other medical conditions – Folate supplements in general are known to be effective for various medical conditions, including alcohol abuse, kidney dialysis, liver diseases, anemia, and malabsorption.

Possible Dangers

Folate supplements, when taken as recommended (400 mcg), have shown no side effects in the human body and therefore are considered to be safe. Higher doses of this supplement may lead to diarrhoea, stomach upset, nausea, sleep disorders, behavioral changes, etc.

FDA Approved?

Folate has been evaluated, and its use, along with folic acid and other vitamin supplements as recommended, has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

Studies

Based on certain studies, individuals suffering from irritability, mental fatigue, insomnia, muscular fatigue, etc. should take food rich in folate. The same research also suggested that folate supplements can be beneficial for human health in many ways, including prevention of anemia and building up of homocystein in the blood, production of skin cells, healing of bone injuries, and normal functioning of the nerves.

A few studies suggest that folate prevents damage of cellular DNA inside a female’s cervix. As per the experiments conducted in this study, women with abnormal growth of cells in their cervix were found to have insufficient folate elements compared to women who had a healthy cervix.

Several other studies have also indicated that folate supplements can help in reducing the symptoms of depression. A recent study suggested that since folate has the ability to produce red blood cells, it can be useful for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.

Many studies also concluded that folate-rich foods are highly essential for bodybuilding and weightlifting activities since such food helps build up the necessary protein energy for the muscle cells.

Supplements using this ingredient:

1. Source Naturals MegaFolinic

2. NOW Thyroid Energy

3. Ultimate Nutrition Super Vitamin B-Complex

4. NOW B-100 Caps

5. Nu Hair Hair Regrowth For Men

6. Solaray B-Complex 100

7. NOW Folic Acid

8. Twinlab Stress B-Complex Caps

9. Source Naturals MegaFolinic

10. MRM B-12

Conclusion

Folate supplements are highly recommended for people who want a healthy body. In addition, the therapeutic usage of folate is also gaining importance because of the positive results found in various studies.

Folate is the primary ingredient in many of the currently used commercial products that contain another important compound – the secondary ingredient, niacinamide.