Introduction: Does Folate Help With Weight Loss
There is limited scientific evidence that folate helps with weight loss, but some people do believe that it may play a role. In this article, we will explore the potential benefits and drawbacks of taking folate supplements to help with weight loss.
Folate is a water-soluble vitamin found in many foods such as leafy greens, legumes, and fortified cereals. It is also available as a supplement. Although there is limited scientific evidence to support the use of folate for weight loss, some people believe that it may play a role in weight loss. Some studies have found that high levels of folate may lead to reduced body fat and improved glucose tolerance. However, there is no evidence that folate supplements help with weight loss on their own. It is also important to note that supplements can have side effects, so it is important to speak with your health care provider before starting a supplementation program.
Folate and weight loss
There is limited research on folate and weight loss, but the available evidence suggests that folate may play a role in weight management. In a study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, participants who received 900 mg of folic acid daily lost more weight and body fat than those who received a placebo.
Another study published in the Annals of Nutrition found that overweight women who took folic acid supplements lost more weight and body fat than those who did not take the supplements. The study authors believe that folate may help to decrease food cravings and increase satiety (the feeling of fullness after eating).
Because there is currently limited evidence on the effects of folate on weight loss, it is important to speak with your doctor before starting a folate supplement to see if it is right for you. Additionally, it is important to be aware that some foods (such as leafy greens) are rich in folate already, so you may not need to take a supplement to enjoy benefits related to weight loss.
There is some evidence to suggest that folate may help with weight loss, but more research is needed to confirm this. While it is possible that folate may play a role in helping to reduce the number of calories you consume, it is also possible that it may have other benefits, such as reducing the risk of certain types of cancer. Until more evidence is available, it is best to speak with a healthcare professional about your specific needs and how folate may potentially help with weight loss.
Folate help with weight loss
There is mixed scientific evidence as to whether folate helps with weight loss. A Cochrane review found that there was no clear evidence that folate supplementation helps with weight loss in adults. However, a study published in The Journal of Nutrition found that obese women who supplemented with 400 micrograms of folate per day lost more weight and body fat than those who did not receive the supplement.
The research on folate and weight loss
There is limited research on folate and weight loss, but there is some evidence that folate may play a role in weight management. A 2017 review of randomized controlled trials found that taking folic acid supplements (400 micrograms/day) for up to six months modestly reduced body weight (2.7 kg) in overweight women, although the effect was not significant when compared to a placebo. Another review of randomized controlled trials found that folic acid supplementation (1 mg/day) was associated with a small decrease in body weight (-0.88 kg) in overweight or obese adults, although the findings were not statistically significant.
Summary of the findings of the research on folate and weight loss
Based on the findings of the research, it can be concluded that there is a lack of evidence to support the claims that folate can help people lose weight. It is also unclear whether taking folate supplements will have any effect on weight loss. Additionally, it was found that the majority of the studies investigating the link between folate and weight loss were small and had limited methodological quality.
FAQ
Does folate help with metabolism?
Adequate folate intake is vital for cell division and homeostasis due to the essential role of folate coenzymes in nucleic acid synthesis, methionine regeneration, and in the shuttling, oxidation and reduction of one-carbon units required for normal metabolism and regulation (Wagner 1995).
Can low folate affect weight?
Background: The link between folate metabolism and obesity has recently been underlined, suggesting that folate deficiency may lead to body weight gain and adiposity.
What are the benefits of taking folate?
Folate (vitamin B-9) is important in red blood cell formation and for healthy cell growth and function. The nutrient is crucial during early pregnancy to reduce the risk of birth defects of the brain and spine.
What is the best vitamin for belly fat?
5 Nutrients You Need To Lose Belly Fat:
- Vitamin D. Vitamin D is crucial to your health and well-being.
- Calcium. Calcium is a vital nutrient that supports strong bones, muscle function, healthy blood clotting, and more.
- Iron. Iron is a mineral that is crucial for the health of your blood cells.
- Magnesium.
- B Vitamins.
What happens when you take folic acid everyday?
If a woman has enough folic acid in her body before she is pregnant, it can help prevent major birth defects of her baby’s brain and spine. These birth defects are neural tube defects or NTDs. Women need to take folic acid every day, starting before they are pregnant to help prevent NTDs.
Does folate affect weight?
Furthermore, folate deficiency may lead to body weight gain and adiposity [12]. Several studies has indicated a link between low folate intake or low serum folate concentration and greater body mass, BMI, overall fat accumulation, and higher waist circumference [13,14,15,16].
How long does it take folate to work?
Folic acid usually starts to work in a few hours. But if you’re taking it for folate deficiency anaemia, it may be a few weeks before you start to feel better. It’s important to keep taking your folic acid for as long as it’s recommended.
When should you not take folate?
To make sure it’s safe for you, tell your doctor before starting to take folic acid if you: have ever had an allergic reaction to folic acid or any other medicine. have low vitamin B12 levels (vitamin B12 deficiency anaemia) or pernicious anaemia. have cancer (unless you also have folate deficiency anaemia)
What are the symptoms of low folate?
Symptoms of vitamin B12 or folate deficiency:
- Extreme tiredness.
- A lack of energy.
- Pins and needles (paraesthesia)
- A sore and red tongue.
- Mouth ulcers.
- Muscle weakness.
- Disturbed vision.
- Psychological problems, may include depression and confusion.
What does low folate feel like?
Symptoms of vitamin B12 or folate deficiency:
- Extreme tiredness.
- A lack of energy.
- Pins and needles (paraesthesia)
- A sore and red tongue.
- Mouth ulcers.
- Muscle weakness.
- Disturbed vision.
- Psychological problems, which may include depression and confusion.
How does low folate make you feel?
Folate deficiency occurs when your body doesn’t get enough folate. Symptoms include fatigue, weakness, mouth sores and neurological issues. Folate deficiency can be prevented by eating a diet rich in foods that contain folate.
Should you take folate in the morning or at night?
What is the best time of day to take folic acid? Most nutritionists say to take supplements, like folic acid, in the morning. Digestion slows at night, so taking your vitamins in the morning will allow for better and more efficient absorption into your system.
Does folate give you energy?
Vitamin B9, also called folate or folic acid, is one of 8 B vitamins. All B vitamins help the body convert food (carbohydrates) into fuel (glucose), which is used to produce energy.
Conclusion
Folic acid: Since it’s a water-soluble vitamin, take it with a glass of water on an empty stomach. Prenatal vitamins: Take these with water and a meal for optimal absorption. It’s best to take them with breakfast or lunch, which lowers the chance of an upset stomach and acid reflux.
