• Folic acid is the synthetic form of folate, which is a naturally occurring B vitamin. Folate helps make DNA and other genetic material. It is especially important in prenatal health.
• Folate, also called vitamin B-9, is a B vitamin that naturally occurs in certain foods. Folic acid is the form of folate that manufacturers add to vitamin supplements and fortified foods.

• It helps the body make healthy new red blood cells.
• In its deficiency a person can develop anemia, leading to fatigue, weakness, and a pale complexion.
• It leads to folate deficiency anemia.
• Folate is also important for the synthesis and repair of DNA and other genetic material.
• It is particularly important to get during pregnancy. Folate deficiency during pregnancy can lead to neural tube irregularities, such as spina bifida and anencephaly.
• Folic acid is crucial for early fetal development.
• Neural tube irregularities - Taking folic acid supplements before and during pregnancy will help prevent neural tube irregularities in the fetus.
• It may also reduce the risks of preterm birth, heart irregularities, and cleft palate, among other things.
• Depression - Taking folic acid supplements could make depression medications more effective.
• The Office on Women’s Health recommend that women who are or might become pregnant take 400–800 mcg of folic acid per day, and that people with spina bifida or a family history of neural tube irregularities take 4,000 mcg per day. Those who are breastfeeding should aim to take around 500 mcg per day.
• The body absorbs folic acid from supplements and fortified foods better than the folate from naturally occurring foods.

Skin reactions, seizures, gases problem, diarrhea, irritability, confusion, stomach upset, loss of appetite, and hypersensitivity

It is important to note that folic acid can interact with certain medications.

A person should speak to a doctor before taking folic acid if they have any of the following:

• Epilepsy
• Type 2 diabetes
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Lupus
• Inflammatory bowel disease (ibd)
• Celiac disease

People undergoing kidney dialysis may also wish to avoid taking folic acid.

• It is an essential cofactor for many enzymes related to energy metabolism, and activates the insulin-signaling cascade to help lower blood sugar.
• Alpha-lipoic converts blood sugar (glucose) into energy using oxygen, a process referred to as aerobic metabolism. Alpha-lipoic acid is also considered an antioxidant, meaning that it can neutralize harmful compounds called free radicals that damage cells at the genetic level.

• It has long been presumed that alpha-lipoic acid can aid in the control of glucose by increasing the speed in which the blood sugar is metabolized. This could potentially aid in the treatment of diabetes
• It is believed by some that alpha-lipoic acid can effectpeople with diabetic neuropathy,
• Alpha-lipoic acid's ability to enhance calorie burning and promote weight loss has been exaggerated by many diet gurus and supplements manufacturers. 
• Alpha-lipoic acid has long been believed to influence weight and health by altering the lipid (fat) composition in the blood.
• Cosmetics manufacturers often like to boast that their products benefit from the anti-aging properties of alpha-lipoic acid.

•  Nausea,
•  Abdominal pain,
•  Allergic reaction,
•  Diarrhea,
•  Vertigo,
•  Vomiting
•  muscle cramp,
•  a tingling "pins and needles" sensation.

• Food decreases the amount of alpha lipoic acid in the body; hence it should be taken on empty stomach about 1 hour before or 2 hours after consuming food.
• Do not take alpha lipoic acid supplements on your own and as a sole treatment for diabetes, complications of diabetes and other conditions in which benefit may be claimed, as these diseases require proper medical treatment.