How Folic Acid Supports Chemical Reactions and Health
Folic acid is one of the essential water-soluble vitamins (except vitamin C) that comprise Vitamin B Complex. Another name for Folic Acid is folate or vitamin B9. The brains of the infants are preserved with the help of vitamin B9 along with the other components. Vitamin B9 also assists in restricting hearing loss and also forms red blood cells. Nucleic acids and all genetic materials consist of Folic Acid. Folic acid benefits are numerous. To know about these benefits, we must first know the uses of folic acid in detail.
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Physical and Chemical Properties of Folic Acid
The Properties of Folic Acid are as Follows:
What is Folic Acid used for?
Generally, Folate is found in citrus fruits and dark green vegetables. The artificially created vitamin B9 is termed Folic Acid. The general folic acid function includes creating genetic material, human body development and red blood synthesis. The four significant Folic acid uses in our daily life can be classified under four heads:
a) Folic Acid for Pregnancy
b) Folic Acid benefits for men
c) Folic Acid benefits for skin
d) Folic acid benefits for hair
a) Folic Acid for Pregnancy:
One of the major folic acid benefits is enriching the foetus and preventing defects at the time of giving birth. The intake of folic acid during pregnancy guards the baby against neural tube defect, miscarriage, low birth weight, premature birth and weak growth in the womb.
b) Folic Acid benefits for Men:
Folic acid is a very essential ingredient from the men’s health perspective. It stabilizes the sperm count which eventually assists in the procedure of conception. Hence, Folic acid is a must for would-be fathers.
c) Folic Acid benefits for Skin:
Folic acid encourages the maintenance of the natural beauty of the skin. The main folic acid functions in the skin include its role as anti-ageing, antioxidant and moisturizer material. The quality of the skin is enhanced by the application of Folic acid. Acne and dead cells are treated by folic acid. The dead cells are removed very effectively by it. Hence, the skin remains healthy with a natural glow.
d) Folic Acid benefits for Hair:
Folic acid plays a crucial role in the growth of hair. The procedure of blood circulation in the scalp is regulated by Folic acid. Premature greying of hair and hair loss is caused by the deficiency of Folic acid or folate.
e) Other uses of Folic Acid are:
Gives support to the digestive system.
Cures depression.
Restricts diabetes.
Folic acid is an important ingredient in preventing cancer and memory loss.
Different infections such as gum infection are cured by folate.
It is good for the heart.
What are the Natural Sources of Vitamin B9?
Few natural sources of folic acid include:
Okra
Artichokes
Turnip greens
Broccoli
Spinach
Asparagus
Lentils
Bread
Cakes
Energy drink
White pasta
White rice
Protein bars
Crackers
Cookies
Breakfast cereals etc
Dietary Sources of Folic Acid
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What is the difference between Folic Acid and Folate?
Different types or forms of vitamin B9 are termed folic acid and folate. The natural form of vitamin B9 in food is called folate whereas the synthetic form of the same is termed folic acid. The basic difference between the two is that a folic acid is an artificial form of vitamin B9 which is manmade while folate is the naturally found vitamin B9.
What is the Dosage of Folic Acid?
Folic acid, as already mentioned before, is a synthetic product available in the form of tablets in the market. The naturally occurring folic acid, or folate to be precise, can be taken through food. The recommended dietary allowance of folic acid for an adult is 1mcg. The following table contains the dietary folate requirements:
Did You Know?
Hair loss can be prevented by the regular intake of Folic acid. Doctors have suggested after various researches that folic acid can be a significant supplement for the growth of hair. The basic folic acid function is maintaining healthy cell growth. Cells are found in skin tissues, hair and nails and they do not differ from each other. Thus folic acid can be considered as a possible hair growth treatment measure. When it comes to cells, the red blood cells are also nurtured by this particular compound.
The folic uses are myriad. Thus it is one of the essential nutrients that must be taken according to the RDA and foods rich in this nutrient should be included in the daily diet.
FAQs on Uses of Folic Acid in Chemistry
1. What is the primary chemical function of folic acid in the human body?
Folic acid, also known as Vitamin B9, is crucial for the synthesis, repair, and methylation of DNA. It acts as a coenzyme in various metabolic processes, particularly in the transfer of one-carbon units. This function is vital for cell division and growth, especially in tissues with rapid cell turnover like bone marrow.
2. What are the main uses of folic acid?
The primary uses of folic acid are centred on its role in cell growth and development. Key applications include:
- Treating or preventing folate deficiency anaemia.
- Supporting the proper development of a baby's brain and spine during pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects.
- Aiding in the production of healthy red blood cells.
- Working with Vitamins B12 and C to help the body break down, use, and create new proteins.
3. Why is folic acid particularly important for women during pregnancy?
Folic acid is critically important during pregnancy because it helps in the formation of the neural tube in the developing foetus. The neural tube develops into the baby's brain and spinal cord. Adequate intake of folic acid before conception and during early pregnancy, as per the 2025-26 CBSE syllabus on biomolecules, can significantly reduce the risk of major birth defects like spina bifida and anencephaly.
4. What are the key symptoms of folic acid deficiency?
A deficiency in folic acid can lead to several health issues. The most common symptoms include:
- General fatigue, weakness, and lethargy.
- Mouth sores and a swollen tongue (glossitis).
- Pale skin and shortness of breath, which are signs of megaloblastic anaemia.
- Changes in hair or skin pigmentation.
- Irritability and poor growth.
5. What is the difference between folate and folic acid?
Folate and folic acid are often used interchangeably, but they are different forms of Vitamin B9. Folate is the naturally occurring form found in foods like leafy green vegetables, citrus fruits, and beans. Folic acid is the synthetic, more stable form of the vitamin, used in supplements and fortified foods. Folic acid is generally more easily absorbed by the body than folate from food sources.
6. How does folic acid's chemical structure enable its role in DNA synthesis?
Folic acid is converted in the body to its active form, tetrahydrofolate (THF). The structure of THF allows it to act as a coenzyme, specifically as a carrier of one-carbon groups (like methyl and formyl groups). These one-carbon units are essential building blocks for synthesizing the nucleotide bases, purines (adenine, guanine) and a specific pyrimidine (thymine), which are the fundamental components of DNA. Without THF, DNA replication and cell division cannot proceed efficiently.
7. From a biochemical perspective, why does folic acid deficiency lead to anaemia?
Folic acid deficiency leads to megaloblastic anaemia. This occurs because folic acid is essential for the rapid cell division required to produce mature red blood cells (erythrocytes) in the bone marrow. Without sufficient folic acid, DNA synthesis is impaired, and the cell division process is halted. As a result, the bone marrow releases large, immature, and dysfunctional red blood cells called megaloblasts into the bloodstream. These cells have a shorter lifespan and a reduced oxygen-carrying capacity, leading to the symptoms of anaemia.
8. How do folic acid and Vitamin B12 work together in the body?
Folic acid and Vitamin B12 have a crucial synergistic relationship, particularly in the methionine cycle and red blood cell formation. Vitamin B12 is required to regenerate the active form of folate from its inactive circulating form. A deficiency in Vitamin B12 can "trap" folate in this unusable state, leading to a functional folate deficiency and causing megaloblastic anaemia, even if dietary folate intake is sufficient. This interdependence is why both vitamins are vital for neurological health and proper cell production.
