Folic Acid for Pregnancy: Essential for Neural Tube Development

Introduction 

Folic acid can be described as a manufactured form of folate, which is also called vitamin B9. When folic acid tablets to treat pregnancy or deficiency are taken, the body converts the folate from folic acid. Folate is an essential nutrient required by the body from outside sources as we can’t make it ourselves. We often obtain this nutrient through lentils, peanuts, chickpeas, a chicken’s liver, cheese, and eggs.

Folate is needed by the body, especially when cell division occurs. Folate is utilized to aid in DNA synthesis and for making amino acids, which are essential to new cells’ creation. It is also crucial in the development and maintenance of blood-healthy cells as well as to convert carbohydrates into energy.

• Folate is vital for your body’s day-to-day functioning (especially blood production). It is crucial during periods of cell division high, like adolescence, the birth of a baby and the initial years.

Folic acid is a B vitamin essential for women who are planning to become pregnant or are already pregnant. During pregnancy, folic acid plays a vital role in the fetus’s development and helps reduce the risk of birth defects. In this blog, we will discuss the importance of folic acid for pregnancy, its recommended daily intake, and the best sources of folic acid.

Why Folic Acid for Pregnancy is Important

Introduction Pregnancy is a special time in a woman’s life, and taking care of the health of both mother and baby is essential. One of the most important things a woman can do for her pregnancy is to ensure she’s getting enough folic acid. This essential nutrient helps with the growth and development of the fetus, especially in the early stages of pregnancy, and it is crucial for preventing birth defects. This blog will discuss why folic acid for pregnancy is important and why it should be a part of every expecting mother’s diet.

What is Folic Acid, and What Does It Do? 

Folic acid is a B vitamin that helps form the neural tube in a developing fetus. The neural tube is the precursor to the brain and spinal cord, and folic acid ensures its proper formation. The neural tube forms during the first few weeks of pregnancy, which is why women must get enough folic acid before they know they’re pregnant.

Reduces the Risk of Birth Defects 

The most important role of folic acid in pregnancy is to reduce the risk of birth defects. It has been found that women who take folic acid supplements before and during pregnancy reduce the risk of their babies having neural tube defects by 70%. Neural tube defects are serious birth defects that affect the brain and spinal cord and can lead to lifelong disabilities or death. The most common type of neural tube defect is spina bifida.

Improves Maternal Health 

Folic acid is not only important for the health of the baby, but it is also crucial for the health of the mother. It helps the body produce and maintain new cells, especially red blood cells and helps prevent anemia, a common problem during pregnancy.

Maintains Optimal Folate Levels 

Folic acid helps maintain optimal folate levels in the body, which are important for healthy fetal growth and development. A folate is a natural form of the B vitamin, and folic acid is synthetic. Folic acid is easier for the body to absorb and use, which is why it is often recommended for pregnancy.

How Much Folic Acid Do You Need? 

The recommended daily amount of folic acid for pregnant women or trying to conceive is 400 micrograms. This amount can be obtained from a daily vitamin supplement or food sources such as leafy green vegetables, fortified cereals, and citrus fruits. You must talk to your doctor about your specific nutritional needs during pregnancy to ensure you get enough of all the essential nutrients.

Folic acid is a B vitamin important for proper cell growth and development. During pregnancy, it is especially crucial for the proper development of the fetus, as a lack of folic acid can lead to birth defects. This article will explore the benefits of folic acid during pregnancy and why expectant mothers need to get enough of it.

Reduces the Risk of Birth Defects

One of the most significant benefits of folic acid during pregnancy is that it reduces the risk of birth defects. The neural tube, which becomes the brain and spinal cord, develops within the first 28 days of pregnancy, often before a woman knows she is pregnant. Folic acid helps to form the neural tube and can prevent serious birth defects such as spina bifida and anencephaly.

Aids in Proper Fetal Development

Folic acid is essential for proper fetal development. It helps to form red blood cells and DNA, which are crucial for the growth and development of the fetus. It also helps to form new tissue, which is necessary for the fetus to grow properly.

Improves Maternal Health 

Folic acid can also improve maternal health during pregnancy. It helps to reduce the risk of certain pregnancy complications, such as pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes. Folic acid can also reduce the risk of depression during pregnancy, which is important for both the mother and the baby.

Helps Prevent Anemia 

Folic acid can also help prevent anemia during pregnancy. Anemia is when the body doesn’t have enough red blood cells to carry oxygen to the body’s tissues. This can lead to fatigue and weakness. Folic acid helps the body produce new red blood cells, which can prevent anemia.

Promotes Healthy Cell Growth

Folic acid is important for cell growth and division, and during pregnancy, the developing fetus grows rapidly. Taking folic acid can help ensure the fetus gets the nutrients it needs for healthy growth and development.

Reduces the Risk of Preterm Births

Folic acid has been shown to reduce the risk of preterm births. This is because folic acid helps maintain healthy red blood cells and prevents anemia, a common cause of preterm birth.

Folino Plus: What is it? 

Folino Plus is a dietary supplement that combines essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients for women during pregnancy. It’s a comprehensive formula designed to meet the nutritional needs of women and their growing babies during this critical stage of life.

The Importance of Folate 

During Pregnancy, Folate is a crucial nutrient that helps to form and maintain new cells, including red blood cells. It’s especially important during pregnancy as it helps prevent birth defects in the baby’s brain and spine. Folino Plus contains 5mg of folate, the recommended folic acid pregnancy dose.

Iron and Pregnancy 

Iron is essential for producing hemoglobin, which helps transport oxygen to the baby. Pregnant women require higher levels of iron to meet the demands of the growing fetus, and Folino Plus contains 18mg of iron per serving, which is more than 100% of the recommended daily dose.

Vitamin B12 and Pregnancy 

Vitamin B12 helps maintain nerve function and produce red blood cells, which are essential during pregnancy. Folino Plus contains 2.4mcg of vitamin B12, which is more than 100% of the recommended daily dose for pregnant women.

Zinc and Pregnancy 

Zinc is important for cell growth, the immune system, and wound healing, and it’s essential during pregnancy. Folino Plus contains 15mg of zinc, which is more than 100% of the recommended daily dose for pregnant women.

Calcium and Pregnancy 

Calcium is essential for the growth and development of the baby’s bones and teeth, and it’s also important for the mother’s health during pregnancy. Folino Plus contains 500mg of calcium, which is more than 50% of the recommended daily dose for pregnant women.

Conclusion

Folic acid is an essential nutrient for women during pregnancy. By taking folic acid, women can help prevent serious birth defects in the developing fetus, reduce the risk of preterm births, promote healthy cell growth, and support maternal health. It is important to consult with a doctor or a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement during pregnancy.