Folic acid and pregnancy: an important nutrient for mother and fetus

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Folic acid or vitamin B9 is an important nutrient in the process of creating DNA genetic material. Which is important for the creation of reproductive cells, fertilization and pregnancy. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States recommends that all women of childbearing age receive a folic acid supplement of 0.4 – 0.8 milligrams per day. To prevent neurological disabilities from neural tube defects in children.

Normally, in the development of a fetus at about 2 weeks of pregnancy. The neural tube will be formed, which will develop into the brain and spinal cord of the baby in the future.

In cases where the female is deficient in folic acid, the development of the neural tube may not be complete, leading to birth defects of the brain and spinal cord, such as anencephaly. เล่นเกมคาสิโน UFABET ทันสมัย ฝากถอนง่าย In which the baby does not survive. After birth, or a lump in the spine that requires surgical treatment after delivery.

Folic acid is a nutrient found in abundance in fresh fruits and vegetables, such as:

  • Cauliflower
  • Chive flowers and leaves
  • tomato
  • cucumber
  • asparagus
  • orange
  • Green grapes
  • Strawberry
  • Various dried beans such as peanuts and soybeans
  • liver

However, folic acid is easily destroyed when exposed to heat for a long time during cooking. If food is eaten or cooked improperly, the body may not receive enough folic acid. In Thailand, a study found that 65.5 percent of Thai women aged 15-45 years. Have folic acid levels in their blood that are lower than the appropriate amount.

In addition to preventing birth defects, recent studies have also found that taking folic acid has a positive effect on fertility. It may help to conceive more easily, reduce anovulation, and miscarriage. And it has also been found to increase the pregnancy rate in women undergoing IVF.

This effect occurs when folic acid supplements are taken in doses higher than those that prevent birth defects. In a study of infertile women undergoing IVF, those who took more than 0.8 milligrams of folic acid per day had a higher success rate of conception than those who took less than 0.4   milligrams per day.

In summary, it is recommended that those who are preparing for having children, including women who have difficulty having children, take folic acid supplements to reduce the incidence of neurological disabilities from neural tube failure in children and increase fertility. It is recommended that all women of childbearing age who are preparing to become pregnant should receive at least 400 micrograms of folic acid per day.