Seeing the Value of Folic Acid during Pregnancy October 24
Folic acid, also known as folate is an essential vitamin from the B9 group. This water-soluble element is crucial to the body’s cell division and growth. Both children and adults are required to take in folic acid for anemia prevention. Moreover, this important vitamin should be taken by pregnant women.
Pregnant women should take folic acid not only for their own good. The vitamin will be more beneficial to the growth of the babies in their wombs. When a pregnant woman lacks this essential vitamin, there is a tendency for their unborn child to acquire the so-called neural tube defects or NTDs. This may lead to childhood paralysis. Lack of folic acid intake during pregnancy may also result to infant heart defects and cleft palate or cleft lip conditions.
There are a lot of good sources of folic acid aside from supplements that can be bought over-the-counter. Food sources include pasta, bread, canned corn, orange juice and leafy vegetables. All women – pregnant or in their child bearing age – are encouraged to take folic acid in its natural or pill form.
For full version of this article, please visit “Seeing the Value of Folic Acid during Pregnancy“.
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