Folic Acid Facts
• In the early weeks, the embryo develops
3 layers of cells of which the outer layer
will form the neutral tube; from this the
brain, spinal cord, nervous system, ears
and eyes develop.
• Poor development will cause baby
to be born with a neural tube defect (NTD)
such as spina bifida (in layman's terms
it is known as split spine). Babies born
with severe spina bifida may not be able
to walk and will face bowel and bladder
problems.
• Another merit point to consider
is folic acid aids in cell division and
in the formation of red blood cells for
both mother and baby.
• Folic acid also lowers the risk
of growth restriction and increases birth
weight of baby in the later part of pregnancy,
thereby lowering the odds of premature birth,
and even preeclampsia.
• Some researches seem to point to
folate preventing the incidence of Down's
syndrome, though it is not conclusive.
• Another folic acid fact is a lack
can cause anemia in the mother, leaving
her fatigued most of the time.
How
much of Folate is enough..
Women who are trying to conceive should
take 400mcg of folic acid daily for at least
a month before conceiving and continue for
the first three months of pregnancy. If
you decide to continue with this vitamin
through the end of your term is even better.
It is naturally found in leafy greens and
green beans but it is difficult to acquire
folate from natural food sources; supplements
become essential to combat this insufficiency.
Folic acid levels can be labeled in these
ways; if you are not sure check with your
doctor the level that is suitable now for
you.
• 400 mcg (micrograms)
• 0.4 mg (milligrams)
• 400 mcg (micrograms) (international
units)
Check your multivitamin label to ensure
the correct dosage of this vitamin. Don't
be tempted to take more than the recommended
dose unless advised by your doctor. Women
who need higher doses of folic acid fall
in the following categories:
1. Have had a previous
pregnancy affected by NTD
2. Have NTD themselves
3. Have a family history
4. Have a partner with
a family history of NTDs
You will be advised to take 5 mg or more
(this is at your doctor’s discretion) of
this vitamin if any of the above applies
to you. The sensible thing to do is take
your supplements along with foods rich in
folate. Examples of such foods:
• Green leafy vegetables especially
spinach, broccoli, asparagus
• Other vegetables such as green beans,
cabbage, peas, cauliflower, avocado
• Oranges and other citrus fruits
• Breakfast cereals fortified with
this vitamin
• Eggs, lentils, kidney beans, chick
peas, baked beans
• Yoghurt & milk
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