What Are the Benefits of Taking Folic Acid with B12?

Taking folic acid with B12 can help reduce the risk of heart disease, prevent birth defects in pregnant women, increase energy, and fight depression. Vegetarians may benefit the most from taking the two supplements together, since adequate amounts are difficult to obtain while following a restricted diet. Both folic acid and vitamin B12 support healthy DNA replication at the cellular level and can increase the function of several organs, including the skin and the gastrointestinal tract.

It is often recommended that pregnant women take folic acid with B12 to prevent abnormal fetus development. Women who take the two vitamins during pregnancy can avoid potential defects in their babies' brain and spinal cord formations. Without enough folic acid, a fetus stands the risk of being born with spina bifida, a defect that causes the spinal cord to be incomplete.

The likelihood of developing certain cancers and heart disease decreases when individuals consume proper amounts of folic acid with B12. Both vitamins promote healthy cell and DNA synthesis, while regulating the growth of red blood cells. Despite the fact that the research supporting these claims is somewhat mixed, benefits have been seen in some individuals. Folic acid is more likely to prevent the onset of these diseases in those who consume heavy amounts of alcohol and follow certain dietary restrictions.

Vegetarians can prevent the development of anemia when they take folic acid with B12. This is especially true if the individual follows a vegan diet that does not incorporate any animal or dairy products. B12 supplements can help ensure that vegetarians receive the proper levels of this vitamin, which their bodies need to prevent symptoms related to low red blood cell production. Some of these symptoms include low energy, mild depression, and muscle fatigue.

Additional benefits of taking folic acid with B12 include mood regulation, improvements in short-term memory, and increased energy. When high amounts of B12 are consumed, it can reduce fatigue related to mental and physical exhaustion. Folic acid can help B12 convert into coenzymes needed for new cell growth, which aids the organs in keeping the body functioning at optimal levels. When cells are properly reproduced, mild memory loss and mood disorders can be prevented or alleviated.

Consumption of vitamin B12 has been shown to reduce some forms of mild depression and help keep an individual's mood balanced. Serotonin levels become more steady with the regular intake of both vitamins. They may also help with the brain's ability to process and manage mood swings related to moderate amounts of stress.