L'folic acid it is an essential nutrient: our body is unable to synthesize it, and for this reason we must necessarily take it with our daily diet.
In adulthood, the requirement for this substance is 320 micrograms per day; Two particular periods in a woman's life are exceptions, pregnancy and breastfeeding, when the folate requirement increases to 520 and 450 micrograms per day, respectively.
Indeed, those for baby development are probably the best known benefits associated with adequate intake of this vitamin, but there are other reasons not to miss it too, including benefits for the skin.
Folic acid: what it is for
Folic acid is one fundamental substance for the synthesis and repair of DNA; many of the biochemical processes in which it is involved are also important for skin health.
Proof of this is the fact that an inadequate intake of folic acid and reduced folic acid levels in the skin are associated with an increased risk of various dermatological diseases: Psoriasis, vitiligo, dermatitis and also skin cancers.
As regards tumors in particular, the association with folic acid would depend on the fact that ultraviolet radiation promotes its degradationcausing folate deficiencies in the skin.
For this reason taking folic acid supplements has also been suggested to prevent these cancers; however, there is still no definitive proof of the effectiveness of this strategy.
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Folic acid: where it is found
For the moment, the best choice to protect the skin with folic acid remains to ensure an adequate intake with food, reserving the intake of supplements for periods in which the needs of this nutrient increase, in particular in anticipation and during a pregnancy.
Although rare, in fact, possible side effects associated with taking supplements cannot be excluded, such as fever, generally feeling unwell, breathing problems and even some skin problems, such as redness, rash and itching.
Among the best dietary sources of folic acid are included asparagus, green leafy vegetables and dried beans.
But be careful: levels of this vitamin tend to decrease rapidly during vegetable storage - another good reason to consume the products of the garden when they are still fresh.
Read also Vitamin B12 and folic acid >>
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