Taking care of your diet is an important factor in maintaining intestinal health and, consequently, the proper functioning of the body as a whole. This is because the intestine performs essential functions, such as absorbing nutrients, eliminating toxins and strengthening the immune system.

The study “Genome-wide interaction analysis of folate for colorectal cancer risk”published in the scientific journal The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, revealed that adequate consumption of folate, also known as vitamin B9 or folic acid, may be linked to a reduction in the risk of developing cancer in the intestine and rectum by up to 7%. This nutrient can be found in foods in naturesuch as green leafy vegetables, legumes, citrus fruits, nuts and seeds.

Health benefits of vitamin B9

Supplementation with methylfolate, the active form of folic acidis often recommended for women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, to ensure adequate intake and prevent possible complications in fetal development. Furthermore, Dr. Christian Aguiar, a doctor specializing in natural and integrative medicine, says that the vitamin helps in the formation of red blood cells and helps in the synthesis and repair of DNA and RNA.

“Vitamin B9 helps to produce and maintain new red blood cells, preventing megaloblastic anemia, which causes weakness and fatigue. Furthermore, it is essential for the synthesis, repair and functioning of genetic material, important for cell division and growth”, he explains.

Impact of vitamin B9 on the intestine

According to Dr. Christian Aguiar, folate is essential for cell regeneration, including cells in the gastrointestinal tract. “It helps maintain the integrity of the intestinal mucosapromoting general intestinal health”, he explains.

According to him, folate deficiencies may be associated with intestinal inflammatory conditions, such as Crohn’s disease. “Vitamin B9 can help reduce inflammation and improve the symptoms of these conditions. Among the consequences of chronic inflammation and difficulty in regenerating colon cells is the activation of genes that increase the risk of colon cancer”, he warns.

Other vitamins that support intestinal health

In addition to vitamin B9, there are other essential nutrients to ensure gut health. Vitamin D, for example, regulates the immune system and maintains the integrity of the intestinal mucosa, while vitamin A protects the intestinal lining and supports immune function.

Vitamin B12, in turn, is necessary for the health of the nervous system and is absorbed in the small intestine. Vitamin B9 is necessary for the regeneration of colon cells and for the control of chronic inflammation and cancer-related genes. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that protects intestinal cells and aids healing, while vitamin E protects against oxidative damage to intestinal cells.

Vitamin B9 deficiency

According to Dr. Christian Aguiar, folate deficiency can lead to health problems such as anemia megaloblastic disease, pregnancy complications, gastrointestinal, cognitive and neurological problems, in addition to increased homocysteine ​​levels, which can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, it is important to ensure adequate intake of this vitamin through diet or supplementation, if necessary.

By Yasmin Santos