Folic acid is becoming the vitamin of the moment. Best known as a supplement for pregnant women to prevent birth defects in their unborn child, research has now linked it to reducing the risk of a host of health problems, including dementia, and experts say we should all raise our daily intake. A review of studies in the journal Nutrients, published in June, found that taking a regular folic acid supplement reduced levels of inflammation, which lies at the root of chronic conditions including heart disease, type 2 diabetes and arthritis. Another study earlier this year published in the Quarterly Journal of Medicine suggested getting enough folic acid also helps the body break down homocysteine, a compound made when proteins are digested — high levels are linked to damaged blood vessels, reduced blood flow and a higher risk of heart attack or stroke.