Folic acid (methyltetrahydrofolate) is a synthetic form of folate (vitamin B9). Although vitamin B9 deficiency is uncommon among men, folate intake may improve heart health, hair, fertility and some mental conditions such as depression. Vitamin B9 is found in a variety of plant foods, meats, and fortified grains, but regardless, some people choose to take folic acid supplements for convenience. It is available in many forms, as a stand-alone nutrient, in multivitamins, or in combination with other vitamins. What is the importance of vitamin B9 for hair health? Hair loss and gray hair are common among men, especially as they age. Plenty of supplements and vitamins on the market are aimed at promoting hair growth and preventing gray hair, including folic acid. One of the reasons folic acid is said to promote hair health is because it plays a role in cell growth, which also applies to scalp cells. A study of men with prematurely graying hair found that they had significantly lower blood levels of folate, vitamin B12 and biotin (B7) than men without such hair changes. However, more research is needed on the link between folic acid and hair health and growth. What is the importance of vitamin B9 for male fertility? Folic acid and zinc are often sold together as supplements marketed to enhance male fertility. Numerous studies have looked at these supplements. Among men with fertility problems, some studies show that these supplements can improve fertility. However, some mixed results have also been observed in studies, particularly among healthy men. 7 studies in subfertile men also found that those taking a daily folic acid and zinc supplement had a significantly higher sperm concentration as well as much higher semen quality than those taking a placebo. Similarly, a 6-month study in 64 men suffering from infertility found that those men who took a daily supplement containing vitamin E, selenium, and folic acid had significantly higher sperm counts and more motile sperm than those who who took a placebo. However, other studies have found that folic acid and zinc have no effect on male fertility and conception. Therefore, more research and evidence is needed that the combination of folic acid and zinc can promote fertility. What are the side effects of taking increased amounts of folic acid? Getting large amounts of folic acid through natural sources such as foods is usually safe. However, taking high doses of folic acid through supplements has been associated with side effects.Side effects of excess folic acid include masking of B12 deficiency, compromised immunity and increased risk of developing prostate cancer. However, poisoning is rare, this is because the body easily eliminates excess amounts of folic acid, as it is a water-soluble vitamin. The tolerable upper limit of this vitamin, or the highest dose unlikely to cause adverse effects, is 1,000 micrograms per day. However, only synthetic forms of folic acid have an upper limit, as no adverse effects have been reported from high dietary intake of the vitamin. It’s also worth noting that most people manage to get their daily needs for folic acid, so taking a supplement isn’t always necessary. However, taking supplements can be a convenient way for some people to meet their folic acid needs. This is especially true for those at risk of vitamin B9 deficiency, such as the elderly. Folic acid supplements are available in many forms, as a single nutrient or component of a multivitamin or B-complex vitamin, as well as in combination with other specific vitamins. The upper limit of 1,000 micrograms per day should not be exceeded unless advised to do so by a specialist, for example when dealing with folate deficiency. Also, it should be considered that folic acid supplements may interact with commonly prescribed medications, including methotrexate, sulfasalazine, and various antiepileptic drugs. Bibliography: Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS). Folate National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Mental Illness National Library of Medicine (NLM). Ansley Bender, Kelsey E Hagan, Neal Kingston. The association of folate and depression: A meta-analysis Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Men and Heart Disease National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Wen-Wen Wang, Xin-Shi Wang, Zeng-Rui Zhang, Jin-Cai He, Cheng-Long Xie. A Meta-Analysis of Folic Acid in Combination with Anti-Hypertension Drugs in Patients with Hypertension and Hyperhomocysteinemia Healthline. Folic Acid for Men: Benefits, Side Effects, and MoreHowever, taking supplements can be a convenient way for some people to meet their folic acid needs. This is especially true for those at risk of vitamin B9 deficiency, such as the elderly. Folic acid supplements are available in many forms, as a single nutrient or component of a multivitamin or B-complex vitamin, as well as in combination with other specific vitamins. The upper limit of 1,000 micrograms per day should not be exceeded unless advised to do so by a specialist, for example when dealing with folate deficiency. Also, it should be considered that folic acid supplements may interact with commonly prescribed medications, including methotrexate, sulfasalazine, and various antiepileptic drugs. Bibliography: Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS). Folate National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Mental Illness National Library of Medicine (NLM). Ansley Bender, Kelsey E Hagan, Neal Kingston. The association of folate and depression: A meta-analysis Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Men and Heart Disease National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Wen-Wen Wang, Xin-Shi Wang, Zeng-Rui Zhang, Jin-Cai He, Cheng-Long Xie. A Meta-Analysis of Folic Acid in Combination with Anti-Hypertension Drugs in Patients with Hypertension and Hyperhomocysteinemia Healthline. Folic Acid for Men: Benefits, Side Effects, and MoreHowever, taking supplements can be a convenient way for some people to meet their folic acid needs. This is especially true for those at risk of vitamin B9 deficiency, such as the elderly. Folic acid supplements are available in many forms, as a single nutrient or component of a multivitamin or B-complex vitamin, as well as in combination with other specific vitamins. The upper limit of 1,000 micrograms per day should not be exceeded unless advised to do so by a specialist, for example when dealing with folate deficiency. Also, it should be considered that folic acid supplements may interact with commonly prescribed medications, including methotrexate, sulfasalazine, and various antiepileptic drugs. Bibliography: Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS). Folate National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Mental Illness National Library of Medicine (NLM). Ansley Bender, Kelsey E Hagan, Neal Kingston. The association of folate and depression: A meta-analysis Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Men and Heart Disease National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Wen-Wen Wang, Xin-Shi Wang, Zeng-Rui Zhang, Jin-Cai He, Cheng-Long Xie. A Meta-Analysis of Folic Acid in Combination with Anti-Hypertension Drugs in Patients with Hypertension and Hyperhomocysteinemia Healthline. Folic Acid for Men: Benefits, Side Effects, and More