At the starting age of 40-45, our parents start experiencing some health problems, bone problems, etc, etc. At that time it’s our duty to provide them some vitamins, folic acid and minerals so that their body get sustain and healthy. In this blog, we are providing you the full information about folic acid and folic acid dosage for seniors and its risks and importantly the benefits.

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What is Folic Acid?

Folic acid is also known as folacin and folate, it is the generic term for both naturally occurring food folate and folic acid, the fully oxidized monoglutamate form of the vitamin that is used in dietary supplements and fortified foods. It is a B vitamin that’s important for cell growth and metabolism.

How Much Folic Acid Dosage For Seniors:

The dosage for folic acid for seniors is about- 400 micrograms/day. It’s necessary because after the age of 45 the body doesn’t produce much energy, blood so they need to add folic acid in their diet by natural items or through a supplement.

Food Items Include:

• Broccoli

• Brussels sprouts

• Cabbage

• Cauliflower

• Egg yolk

• Kidney beans

• Lentils

• Lettuce

• Fresh fruits, especially papaya and kiwi

• Milk

• Orange

• Peas

• Spinach

• Sunflower seeds

• Wholewheat bread, as it is usually fortified

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How Much Folic Acid Should We Take?

Here is the Category of folic acid :

• Folate (Folic Acid)

• Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA)

• For children under 1, only an adequate intake (AI) is available
• 0-6 months – 65 micrograms/day Adequate Intake (AI)
• 7-12 months- 80 micrograms/day Adequate Intake (AI)
• 1-3 years – 150 micrograms/day
• 4-8 years – 200 micrograms/day
• 9-13 years – 300 micrograms/day
• 14 years and up – 400 micrograms/day
• Pregnant women – 600 micrograms/day
• Breastfeeding women – 500 micrograms/day

What are the Risks of Taking Folic Acid?

Here are the risks factors include:

Side effects:  Folic acid is generally considered as safe but the side effects rarely happen. High doses of folate acid can cause nausea, bloating, gas, birth defeat, and insomnia.

Interconnection: High doses of folacin can block the effects of some seizure medicines. If you take any regular medicines, ask how they will affect your intake of folic acid.

Risks: Folic acid supplementation can sometimes mask the symptoms of serious and dangerous deficiencies of vitamin B12, depression and dementia.

Benefits of Folic Acid:

Folic acid helps your body produce and maintain new cells, and also helps prevent changes to DNA that may lead to cancer. As a medication, folic acid is used to treat folic acid deficiency and certain types of anemia (lack of red blood cells) caused by folic acid deficiency.

Can Folic Acid Cause Weight Gain?

People with enough blood levels of folic acid will gain weight if they take such supplements. Although, weight loss is one of the main possible side effects of a folate deficiency. Folate acid should not make you gain weight. Also, the side effects are extremely rare.

Conclusion

As we have discussed earlier, Folic Acid Dosage For Seniors and its risks, the dosage is taken, and benefits. The best way to manage your health after 40 is to take this acid but firstly you have to consult a doctor before you start taking it.

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