To Achieve The Maximum Benefit Of Folic Acid, Take It During The Months Leading Up To And During Your Pregnancy
Following a doubling of the number of babies born with spina bifida in Scotland this year, the UK Government is recommending women of child bearing age to take folic acid as a daily supplement.
Spina bifida is a neural tube defect (NTD) and occurs when baby’s spine does not develop properly in the womb. At around 28 days after conception the developing spinal cord is an open tube. This normally closes so that it is covered by bone and skin. When this doesn’t happen spina bifida can result causing problems such as disability, learning difficulties, or even an open spinal cord. Research shows that the right amount of folic acid can significantly reduce the chances of baby being born with a NTD by about 75%.
Taking folic acid in the months leading up to conception is important because the spinal chord starts to develop early in the pregnancy and a mother will lose much of the benefit if she starts taking folic acid only once she is aware she is pregnant. The treatment should continue until at least the 12th week of the pregnancy.
Most women need to take a 400mcg supplement of folic acid each day. However, if you already have a baby with spina bifida, or if you have coelic disease, diabetes, or if you take anti-epileptic drugs; you need a bigger dose – see you medical advisor.
To get the full benefit of your folic acid try to take it in natural form. Many experts believe that most of the benefit of taking supplements in tablet form is lost as it passes too quickly through the body. Green leafy vegetables are a good source of natural folic acid (known as flolate). Add broccoli, spinach, spring greens, and brown rice to your diet. Take care not to overcook the vegetables as this will result in the loss of the goodness. Steaming vegetables is best. Aloe vera is an excellent source of folic acid if taken as a gel drink. However avoid liver. Although this too is high in folic acid it also contains a lot of vitamin A which is not good for baby.
Folic acid is a B vitamin and there are no known side effects.
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