Folic acid in pregnancy: how to supplement?
Confirmation of a pregnancy brings a mix of emotions for expectant mothers—whether they’re first-time moms or not. After the initial celebration, the anticipation of a new family member’s arrival calls for extra care when it comes to health.
This is because during pregnancy, women’s metabolic functions undergo various changes, and to make this nine-month period special, it’s important to take certain precautions regarding diet, emotional well-being, and blood pressure, among other factors.
Vitamin and nutrient intake is one of the key areas of concern. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 41.8% of pregnant women worldwide are anemic, with the majority of these cases of anemia linked to folic acid and iron deficiency.
Therefore, women need a balanced diet to maintain their own health and ensure the healthy development of their baby. Among the many resources available at this time, the folic acid (vitamin B9) is recommended from before conception through the end of the first trimester of pregnancy, as it helps prevent neural tube defects (NTDs) in the fetus.
Folic acid supplementation is extremely important for the prevention of birth defects, and the correct dosage must also be taken into account. The WHO recommends an intake of 400 micrograms per day, beginning two months before planned pregnancy.
During the first 12 weeks, folic acid plays a role in various bodily functions, and when taken at the correct dosage and for the appropriate duration, it protects the baby by aiding in the closure of the neural tube and contributing to the embryo’s neurological development.
The concentration of folic acid in the blood before fertilization is another step toward carrying a healthy baby to term. This is because the body uses this vitamin to produce new cells, which helps the cells that will form the fetal organs and tissues grow early in pregnancy.
Since the body cannot store folic acid, it must be supplied on an ongoing basis. Diet is also an important part of a healthy pregnancy, but it is difficult to obtain the recommended daily amount of folic acid from diet alone. For this reason, international medical organizations, such as the FDA (U.S.), recommend taking vitamin B9 (folic acid) supplements.
To support you during this special time, we’ve put together some tips that can help you have a healthier pregnancy by incorporating a variety of foods that boost your intake of essential nutrients:
– Eat plenty of vegetables from all subgroups—dark green, red, and orange vegetables; legumes (beans, chickpeas, and peas); and starchy vegetables, among others
– Fruits are rich in fiber, and to get the most out of their nutrients, it’s important to eat them whole
– Low-fat dairy products are good everyday choices, including fortified milk, yogurt, cheese, and soy beverages
– Enjoy a variety of protein-rich foods, such as lean meats and poultry, eggs, nuts, seeds, and soy-based products
In addition to paying attention to your diet, you should have frequent medical appointments and regular checkups during pregnancy, as there are many factors to consider. You can never overemphasize the importance of scientific data when it comes to children’s futures!
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