Folic Acid is synonymous with prenatal pregnancy. As soon as a woman is confirmed pregnant, her obstetrician prescribes her doses of Folic Acid to ensure the start of a healthy pregnancy. Folic Acid, also known as Folate, also known as Vitamin B9, is essential in producing healthy red blood cells, which transports oxygen throughout the body. However, in a pregnant woman, Folic Acid/Folate/Vitamin B9 helps prevent certain birth defects of the baby’s brain and the spinal cord.
Folic Acid is synthetic that scientists make in the lab in the form of supplemental vitamins or fortified in foods such as breakfast cereals and oatmeal. Folates, on the other hand, comes directly from natural food sources. According to Folate – Health Professional Fact Sheet (nih.gov), Folate is found in many different varieties of foods such as dark leafy vegetables, beans, peas, nuts, oranges, lemons, bananas, melons, strawberries, and beef liver.
Research from Folic acid in diet: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, shows that Folic Acid/Folate/Vitamin B9 helps tissues grow and cells work. It works with vitamin B12 and vitamin C to help the body break down, use, and create new proteins. It helps form red blood cells. It helps produce DNA, the building block of the human body, which carries genetic information. Based on my research on various sources, doctors recommend a daily dose of 400 micrograms (mcg) of Folic Acid for pregnant women. But it is recommended to start taking this vitamin B9 before pregnancy.
A lack of Folic Acid/Folate/Vitamin B9 in the pregnant woman can cause the opposite of its benefits. Along with birth defects, a lack of Folic Acid can contribute to miscarriage. It can cause preeclampsia. It can cause anemia. Folic acid in diet: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia mentioned that the lack of Folic Acid also causes gray hair, memory loss, and mouth ulcers. A study was done by Scholl TO, Johnson WG. Folic acid: influence on the outcome of pregnancy, shows that inadequate maternal folate status has also been associated with low infant birth weight, preterm delivery, and fetal growth retardation.
Everyone needs to take Folic Acid. But it is imperative for women who wish to become pregnant and are pregnant to take a daily dosage of recommended Folic Acid. Since most pregnancies are not planned, women need to take the initiative and incorporate Folic Acid supplements in their diet at all times. This action is because folate-rich foods can at times lose their potency when cooked. Please consult your doctor for further information on your specific dosage and for any questions you might have.
Ok, I said it!