We talk all the time about the benefits of folic acid for women planning on becoming pregnant. While the number one job of this B-vitamin supplement is reducing the risk of birth defects like spina bifida, there are other benefits to taking it.
That includes if you are finished having children or over the age of 40.
Besides reducing the risk of birth defects, folic acid supplements have also been found to help in the following areas:
- Prevention of strokes and other blood clotting problems
- Improves heath in areas such as heart disease and colon cancer
- Reduces brain degeneration linked to conditions like Alzheimer’s and dementia
- Fights depression and mood swings
- Maintains healthy hair and nails
- Supports aging skin
Finally, pregnancies do occur for women over 40, both planned and unplanned. As you know, the older you are when you become pregnant, the more dangerous the pregnancy can be for the mother and the child. It’s believed that 75% of the 2,500 yearly cases of babies born with neural-tube defects can be prevented with folic acid supplements.
The recommendation for women over 40 are the same as those under 40; take 0.4 mg or 400 micrograms of folic acid each day.
So, whether you are planning on getting pregnant or not, there are plenty of reasons to continue to make B-9 supplements part of your daily ritual. Learn more.
