Do you know which nutrient supports brain health

Folic acid, or vitamin B9, is essential for the healthy formation of red blood cells, cell growth, and function. This nutrient is vital during early pregnancy to minimize the risk of congenital disabilities in the brain and spine.

Folic acid is present in dark green leafy vegetables, nuts, and beans. Fruits rich in folic acid are:

• oranges
• lemons
• bananas
• melons
• strawberries

A diet that does not include foods that contain folate or folic acid can gradually lead to deficiency. Folate deficiency also occurs in people with conditions, such as celiac disease, that prevent the small intestine from absorbing nutrients from food, also known as malabsorption syndrome.

The daily dose of folic acid for adults is 400 micrograms (mcg). Adult women planning pregnancy should get 400 to 1,000 mcg of folic acid per day.

Research has shown that dietary supplements containing folic acid can prevent congenital disabilities of the neural tube. Daily intake of folic acid, ideally three months before conception, contributes to adequate levels of this essential nutrient.

Brain health

Lower levels of folate are related to an increased risk of dementia and inadequate mental function. Even folate levels that are normal but low can raise the risk of cognitive impairment in older adults.

Adequate intake of folic acid may also help protect against Alzheimer's disease. Another study found that people who consumed 1,250 mcg of folic acid daily for six months had better thinking ability and less inflammation than those who took only Aricept.

A 2019 study of 180 adults with cognitive impairment showed that supplementing their diet with 400 mcg of folic acid daily for 2 years improved their brain function and reduced blood levels of proteins involved in Alzheimer's disease.

The rich multivitamin Be Well Multivitamin contains folic acid, magnesium, B vitamins, and trace elements to fully support the body for stimulation, anti-fatigue, and antioxidant protection.

It contains vitamins in their active natural form, extracts from fruits and vegetables, flavonoids, digestive enzymes of plant origin, mineral salts, 75 trace elements, enzymes and amino acids, inositol, and choline.