In addition to its well-established role in neural tube defect prevention, research suggests folate plays an important role in promoting egg quality, maturation and implantation.
Folic acid and fertility
There's no evidence that folic acid reduces fertility in either men or women. Folic acid does not help you get pregnant, but it's recommended while you're trying to get pregnant and in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.
CDC recommends that women of reproductive age who could become pregnant consume at least 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid every day.
A study named “Vitamin E as an Antioxidant in Female Reproductive Health” suggests that vitamin E improves women's overall reproductive health and improves egg quality. For men, it helps to boost sperm quality, and when taken with vitamin C has been shown to reduce DNA fragmentation.
Other than age, causes such as endometriosis, ovarian cysts, some immunological disorders, obesity, chemotherapy, drug use, smoking, alcohol and caffeine consumption may also lead to decreased egg quality.
Take a folic acid supplement
It's recommended that you should take a daily supplement of folic acid when you're pregnant, or there's a chance you might get pregnant. You should take a 400 microgram supplement of folic acid every day before you get pregnant, and every day afterwards, up until you're 12 weeks pregnant.
All women should get in the habit of taking folic acid daily even when they are not planning to get pregnant. For folic acid to help, a woman needs to take it every day, starting before she becomes pregnant.
As mentioned above, surgery to the ovaries—to remove a cyst or treat endometriosis—could damage the ovaries or reduce ovarian reserve. And chemotherapy and radiation, while obviously life-saving treatments for cancer and other illnesses, can destroy or damage a woman's eggs or cause premature menopause.
Incorporate whole grains, lean meats, leafy greens, fresh vegetables, fruit and nuts in your diet to give your body what it needs to support your eggs. Avoid processed foods and meats when possible and limit your salt and sugar intake. -Maintain a healthy weight: You should strive for a healthy BMI (body mass index).
Consuming high levels of folic acid can potentially reduce ovulation problems in healthy women who are trying to conceive.
If you're planning to have a baby, it's important that you take folic acid tablets for two to three months before you conceive. This allows it to build up in your body to a level that gives the most protection to your future baby against neural tube defects, such as spina bifida.
Moreover, vitamin B9, more commonly known as folic acid, has long been touted as one of the most vital nutrients for pregnancy and hormonal balance. Folic acid has been shown to raise progesterone levels, promote regular ovulation, and reduce menopausal hot flashes.
The addition of folic acid to the perfusate mitigated the decrease in hCG.
Cautions with other medicines
Folic acid can also affect the way other medicines work. Do not take your folic acid within 2 hours before or after taking indigestion remedies (antacids containing aluminium or magnesium), as they may stop the folic acid being properly absorbed.
Yes, you can take folic acid during your periods. It assists the growth and maintenance of cells in regulating iron transportation.
Maybe you don't know what it is, or you might dismiss it as something only pregnant women need. But every woman of reproductive age should be getting 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid every day.
Women who have gone through menopause should still plan to get the recommended amount of folic acid each day. In addition to the benefits listed, it may reduce your risk of certain cancers, such as cervical cancer and colon cancer. Folic acid may also help to prevent type 2 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis.
Health benefits associated with folic acid may include reducing your risk for heart disease, stroke and some types of cancers. Folic acid is good for any cells that rapidly divide and grow, which is why it's also great for the health of your hair, skin and nails.
The only way to preserve your egg quality and fertility is through cryopreservation (freezing). Cryopreservation, such as egg freezing, is the only technique that currently exists to extend your fertility.
Egg quality and quantity also decline in a woman's 30s and 40s. While the total number of eggs cannot be increased, research has shown that egg quality can be improved. Supplements containing Myo-inositol, folic acid and melatonin have been shown to help improve egg quality and ovarian function.
By age 30, fertility (the ability to get pregnant) starts to decline. This decline happens faster once you reach your mid-30s. By 45, fertility has declined so much that getting pregnant naturally is unlikely.