Women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant should get at least micrograms 0. Studies show that this greatly reduces a baby's risk of serious neural tube defects. Neural tube defects are birth defects that involve incomplete development of the brain and spinal cord.
The most common neural tube defects are:. All of these defects happen during the first 28 days of pregnancy — usually before a woman even knows she's pregnant. That's why it's so important for all women of childbearing age to get enough folic acid — not just those who are trying to become pregnant. Half of all pregnancies are not planned, so any woman who could become pregnant should make sure she gets enough folic acid.
It's not clear why folic acid has such a profound effect on the prevention of neural tube defects. But experts do know that it's vital to the development of DNA. As a result, folic acid plays a large role in cell growth and development, as well as tissue formation.
How can women of childbearing age — and especially those who are planning a pregnancy — get enough folic acid every day? Good nutrition is important for everyone, but particularly important for pregnant women for healthy growth and development of their baby.
It is important to get enough nutrients and vitamins before conception and during pregnancy. Folic acid supplements are recommended for women who are planning to become pregnant, could become pregnant or are pregnant.
Folic acid is the man-made form of the B vitiamin folate. Folic acid is added to some foods and can also be found in supplements. Folate is found naturally in food like leafy green vegetables, citrus fruit, legumes and nuts. Folate is water-soluble and is easily destroyed by cooking. Folic acid is vital for healthy bodily growth and development in everyone and is especially important for pregnant women. Your body uses folic acid to make DNA. The neural tube is one of the first things your baby will grow.
The neural tube is formed in the first four to six weeks of pregnancy. This can cause a range of disabilities including loss of bladder and bowel control, and paralysis of the legs. In some cases, the effects can be more severe. It is unclear what causes spina bifida but it can be linked to a combination of genetic and environmental risk factors, for example a family history of neural tube defects and folate deficiency. Signs and symptoms of spina bifida vary by type and severity and can also differ per person.
The best way to reduce the risk of your baby developing a neural tube defect is to take daily folic acid supplements from 12 weeks before conception until at least 12 weeks of pregnancy. Folic acid is the synthetic that is, not generally occurring naturally form of folate used in supplements and in fortified foods such as rice, pasta, bread, and some breakfast cereals.
When the baby is developing early during pregnancy, folic acid helps form the neural tube. Learn more about the recommended intake level of folic acid here. Every woman of reproductive age needs to get folic acid every day, whether she is planning to get pregnant or not, to help make new cells.
Folate is a general term to describe many different types of vitamin B9. Food fortification is a way to add vitamins or minerals, or both, to foods. Some rice, pasta, bread, and breakfast cereals are fortified with folic acid. Folic acid is ideal to use for food fortification. It is more stable than types of natural food folate. Heat and light can easily break down types of natural food folate.
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