Stroke is a life-threatening medical condition that occurs when the blood supply to the brain is disrupted. It is one of the leading causes of death and long-term disability worldwide.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), every year, approximately 15 million people suffer from a stroke worldwide, resulting in 5 million deaths and 5 million cases of permanent disability.

What is Folic Acid?

Folic acid, also known as vitamin B9, is a water-soluble vitamin that is essential for many biological processes in the body, including the synthesis of DNA, RNA, and proteins.

Folic acid is found naturally in many foods, including leafy green vegetables, fruits, nuts, and beans. It is also available as a dietary supplement and is commonly added to fortified foods, such as breakfast cereals and bread.

How does Folic Acid Prevent Strokes?

Folic acid has been shown to have a beneficial effect on stroke prevention. Several studies have demonstrated that people with low levels of folic acid in their blood are at an increased risk of stroke.

Folic acid works by reducing the levels of a substance called homocysteine in the blood. Homocysteine is an amino acid that is produced naturally by the body. High levels of homocysteine have been linked to an increased risk of stroke, heart disease, and other health problems.

Folic acid helps to break down homocysteine in the body and reduce its levels, thus lowering the risk of stroke.

What are the Other Benefits of Folic Acid?

In addition to stroke prevention, folic acid has several other health benefits:.

It helps to produce and maintain new cells in the body.
It is necessary for the proper development of the fetus during pregnancy and reduces the risk of birth defects.
It may help to prevent some types of cancer, including colon cancer and breast cancer.
It may help to improve overall heart health and reduce the risk of heart disease.

How Much Folic Acid Do You Need?

The recommended daily intake of folic acid varies depending on age and gender. The following are the recommended daily intake of folic acid:.

Infants (0-6 months): 65 mcg
Infants (7-12 months): 80 mcg
Children (1-3 years): 150 mcg
Children (4-8 years): 200 mcg
Children (9-13 years): 300 mcg
Adolescents (14-18 years): 400 mcg
Adults (19 years and older): 400 mcg
Pregnant women: 600 mcg
Breastfeeding women: 500 mcg

What are the Best Food Sources of Folic Acid?

The following are some of the best food sources of folic acid:.

Leafy green vegetables, such as spinach, kale, and collard greens
Fruits, such as oranges, strawberries, and bananas
Nuts and seeds, such as almonds and sunflower seeds
Beans, such as lentils, kidney beans, and chickpeas
Fortified breakfast cereals, bread, and pasta

Who is at Risk of Folic Acid Deficiency?

The following are some of the groups of people who are at risk of folic acid deficiency:.

Pregnant women: because folic acid is required for the proper development of the fetus, pregnant women may need to take a folic acid supplement to ensure they get enough of this vital nutrient.
People with digestive disorders: certain digestive disorders, such as celiac disease, can interfere with the absorption of folic acid from food.
Alcoholics: chronic alcohol consumption can deplete the body’s stores of folic acid.
People taking certain medications: certain medications, such as anticonvulsants and oral contraceptives, can interfere with the body’s absorption of folic acid.

Conclusion

Stroke is a serious condition that can have devastating consequences. Fortunately, taking folic acid supplements or increasing the intake of folic acid through a healthy diet can help to lower the risk of stroke.

In addition to stroke prevention, folic acid has several other health benefits and is an important nutrient for overall health and wellness.