Folic acid benefits in can be credited to the perceptible glow in their skin. It even makes their hair shinier and bouncier. Most doctors attribute this effect to folic acid, which is a major component of prenatal vitamins.
The radiant skin and bouncy strands are a welcome side effect to one of folic acid’s most important functions—protecting the neural development of the growing foetus. But many doctors now suggest that improving vitamin B9 levels is important for everyone, particularly women in their . What gives? We spoke to two experts to find out.
“Folic acid (or Vitamin B9) plays an important role in energy production and cellular metabolism within the body,” says Dr Pankaj Chaturvedi, consultant dermatologist and specialist hair transplant surgeon, Medlinks. “When found naturally in foods, it’s called folate, but supplements are referred to as folic acid. It has been found to help keep your hair and nails healthy in the longer scheme of things, but it’s always better to do a thorough blood analysis before opting for supplements,” adds dermatologist Dr Geetika Mittal Gupta, founder and director at ISAAC Luxe.
“Folic acid provides increased hydration by maintaining skin barrier function. This can improve moisture retention and alleviate . It is known to significantly reduce the signs of premature ageing by maintaining adequate collagen production.
In combination with other important antioxidants, folate also helps to reduce the intensity of acne, as it .