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Multivitamins folic acid and pregnancy
By admin | November 12, 2007
Multivitamins, with folic acid taken before and during pregnancy can reduce the occurence of certain anomalies in newborns.
Considering the role of folic acid and folates in the process of cell division, it becomes very clear that the need of folic acid during pregnancy has to be high.
The lack of folic acid can occur because of a low intake or a metabolism disorder.
Inadequate folic acid intake during or before pregnancy can lead to the development of megaloblastic anemia and with certain genetic and environmental factors is linked with the development of certain congenital malformations including neural tube defects.
Folic acid and folate (the anion form) are forms of the water-soluble Vitamin B9 . These occur naturally in food and can also be taken as supplements.
What can you do?
If you are a women in reproductive age you should develop a habit of taking 400 micrograms of folic acid every day.That is the quantity recommended by the American academy of pediatrics.
Research showed that by taking 400 micrograms of folic acid every day you can almost eliminate the risk of neural tube defects.
You should also know that you have to take folic acid before pregnancy and during the first month.
It will help in the development of your fetus/embryo only if you take the recommended quantity of folic only in the first month of your pregnancy.
However folic acid is non-toxic in any imaginable quantity.
You can’t overdose on folic acid and no matter how much of folic acid you take during the day through food or through supplements you will not have any side effects.
Where can folic acid be found?
Foods rich with folic acid include:
- Dark green, leafy vegetables
- Whole wheat bread
- Lightly cooked beans and peas
- Nuts and seeds
- Sprouts
- Oranges and grapefruits
- Liver and other organ meats
- Poultry
- Fortified breakfast cereals and enriched grain products
Its not always easy to take 400 micrograms of folic acid through diet alone. But fortunately for us the market is full of multivitamin supplements.All you have to do is to read the label and take the 400 mirograms of folic acid every day.
Topics: Health, Physical Health, Supplements, Women's Health | No Comments »
