Folic acid, a form of vitamin B that is required for healthy cell growth, helps form healthy red blood cells and helps make DNA and other genetic material, and is especially beneficial for women’s health during pregnancy and childbirth. Women contain folic acid, according to the website “healthshot“.
If folic acid is taken before and during early pregnancy, folic acid can prevent up to 70% of major birth defects in the brain and spine known as neural tube defects. The neural tube is responsible for the early formation of the brain and spine.
A deficiency of folic acid can cause spinal cord abnormalities in a child, as the spinal cord is one of the first parts of the body to develop.
Each year, an estimated 8 million babies are born worldwide with a birth defect, about 300,000 of whom die as a result of complications.
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How can fetal abnormalities be avoided with folic acid?
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendsCDC) with the following to help avoid many dangerous birth defects of the baby’s brain and spine:
All women of childbearing age get 400 micrograms of folic acid per day, in addition to eating foods rich in folic acid from a varied diet, even when a woman is not planning to become pregnant, they should get into the habit of taking folic acid on a regular basis. This is because many pregnancies are unplanned. It is important that this vitamin be present before pregnancy.
Moreover, even without pregnancy, consuming folic acid is considered a healthy habit because it can contribute to the formation of new healthy cells that the body makes every day.
It is recommended to take a folic acid supplement containing 400 micrograms per day from the 12 weeks before conception until the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.
Since there are different dosages of these over-the-counter supplements available in pharmacies, you should look for a folic acid supplement that contains at least the recommended amount, and it should be noted that vitamin supplements usually contain less folic acid.
Women have higher requirements for folic acid and should consume 500-600 mcg of folic acid daily, respectively.
To summarize, you can refer to the list below:
400 mcg for men and women over 14 years old
500 mcg for breastfeeding women
600 micrograms for pregnant women
In addition, foods rich in folic acid, such as green leafy vegetables, broccoli, oranges, and avocados, or fortified breads and cereals, are also beneficial.
Before and after pregnancy, folic acid can have a significant impact on a woman’s fertility Since folic acid is known to have a positive effect on cell metabolism throughout the body, it affects the ovaries and can help avoid early pregnancy abnormalities, which can lead to Abortion in women who have problems conceiving.
