Folic acid:
Folic acid is a type of vitamin B complex called vitamin E-9. As a result, folic acid is a water-soluble vitamin that does not accumulate in the body like a fat-soluble vitamin. Therefore, it is imperative to ensure an uninterrupted supply of folic acid during pregnancy.
What effect does folic acid have on the human body ??
- Plays a unique role in the formation of the brain and nerve fibers of the fetus.
- Helps in the bone formation of the fetus.
- Prevents congenital disabilities.
- Prevents miscarriage or miscarriage.
- It helps to make red blood cells.
- It plays a role in cell D.N.A. formation and thus prevents premature birth.
- Prevents heart disease, depression, and dementia.
- It helps in the digestion of food by working with vitamins C and B12.
Folic acid requirement during pregnancy –
Abnormal neural tube abnormalities are caused by a lack of folic acid in the fetus during pregnancy. As a result, various problems may arise after the child’s birth. According to experts, regular intake of folic acid reduces abnormalities in the fetus’s neural tube by 50 percent. Studies have shown that taking at least 400 micrograms of folic acid daily at the onset of childbearing reduces the risk of congenital disabilities in the unborn child. Most congenital disabilities occur in the first three to four weeks of pregnancy. Therefore, folic acid should be taken regularly at the beginning of the pregnancy. The US CDC, or Center for Disease Control, recommends taking 400 micrograms of folic acid tablets daily, at least one month before childbirth, and continuing for the first three months.
Folic acid-rich foods –
Foods rich in folic acid are dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach, radish, and mustard; Broccoli, carrots, peas, legumes, and fruits include papaya, oranges, grapes, strawberries, etc. However, in case of insufficient intake of 400 micrograms of folate in the daily diet during pregnancy, health agencies recommend taking 400 micrograms of folic acid tablets daily for pregnant women.