It protects against heart disease, birth defects, osteoporosis, and certain cancers. Uses Folic acid protects the body against, and helps treat, many disorders, including the following. Low levels of folic acid have been linked with birth defects. Studies suggest that the amount of folic acid needed to prevent neural tube defects is more easily reached with supplements than from dietary sources alone. Heart attacks and stroke.
Folic acid is essential to a process that clears a substance called homocysteine from the blood.
High homocysteine levels have been linked with increased risk of heart disease and stroke. Low levels of folic acid may play a role in cancer development, particularly cancers of the cervix, lung, and colon. Lack of folic acid, and the resulting increase in homocysteine levels, weakens bones, making them more likely to fracture. Depression and other mental problems. Folic acid is important for brain function.