There are numerous benefits of folic acid, and some of these cannot be stressed enough as extremely valuable in promoting health. Considerable benefit can exist for some people who take this supplement. Yet it’s always wise to understand that claims about a supplement can exist on numerous levels. There are medically proven benefits and then claims that have been disproved, which makes it important to understand what’s known and accepted, and what isn’t.

First and foremost, the most valuable of the benefits of folic acid is clearly proven. It aids in the prevention of birth defects when it is taken prior to conception. Given its potential to protect the health of newborns, doctors strongly advocate that women begin taken folic acid supplements three months prior to the time they plan to conceive. It has been shown to reduce a certain group of defects called neural tube defects, which result in conditions like spina bifida. The evidence only gets better here, because studies published in 2009 suggest that folic acid may also play a role in preventing some heart defects and in preventing premature births.

There are some other potential benefits of folic acid. It does appear to decrease chances of people getting high blood pressure because it relaxes blood vessels. Due to lower blood pressure, the supplement may be indicated as good stroke prevention. It also may act to reduce signs of aging by helping people to retain memory and mental acuity.

Another of the claims regarding the benefits of folic acid is that it may have a role in regulating mood, especially when taken with other B vitamins. It reduces homocysteine levels, which are found in greater amount in depressed people. Yet whether folic acid alone would fully end depression is not proven.

It’s often claimed that one of the benefits of folic acid is its cancer prevention role. It has been cited as reducing breast and pancreatic cancer. As beneficial as this supplement may be, evidence is to the contrary on this claim, and recent studies have found no cancer preventative benefits exist. Conversely, men who take folic acid may have a risk of prostate cancer, though this matter needs more study.

As good as folic acid may be, and US government certainly responded by adding it to a variety of grains and cereals, there are some concerns with taking this supplement. In addition to the possibility that it might elevate some cancer risk, it seems to also mask Vitamin B12 deficiency, which in worse cases is called pernicious anemia. Not only may this masking affect occur, but it may affect absorption of Vitamin B12 in all cases, and B12 has many benefits related to those given by folic acid.

What this means for people is that taking folic acid is much like taking anything else. It can be truly helpful, but it may not come without a price. Taking more of it than recommended may be particularly harmful instead of promoting better health.