Prenatal Care
The importance of Folic Acid in the prevention of birth defects
What are birth defects
Congenital birth defects are abnormal health conditions that developed during pregnancy or at the time of
birth. Birth defects may be developed regardless of the mother’s age, race, or socioeconomic status or that of
the family.
Causes
Even though the reasons for the majority of birth defects are still unknown, there are ways to prevent and treat
many of them.
Genetic factors or chromosomal problems and others cause some congenital defects from exposure to chemical
products or toxic substances, drugs consumption, certain medications, or a combination of these.
How to prevent birth defects
Many congenital defects may develop very early during pregnancy. Recent research findings show that more than
half of brain and neural tube defects can be prevented if women take 400 mcg or 0.4 mg of folic acid prior to
getting pregnant and during the first few months of pregnancy.
It’s also important to receive adequate prenatal care early in the pregnancy, keep a healthy and balanced
nutrition, avoid use of drugs and alcohol, avoid smoking, and frequently wash hands to avoid exposure to
infections.
What is folic acid?
Folic acid is a vitamin from the B complex family. This vitamin can be obtain through a multivitamin or
over the counter supplement. It’s inexpensive and any excess in the body is eliminated through urine.
Certain foods, such as oranges, green leaf vegetables, beans, peanuts, broccoli, asparagus and other
enriched foods like rice, cereals, and bread contain folic acid. Nonetheless, it’s recommended to take
a multivitamin to ensure adequate daily intake of this vitamin.
The daily intake of 400 mcg of folic acid may benefit both, men and women, since it prevent and reduces the
risks of:
Certain types of anemia – helps in the development of hemoglobin and iron absorption
Heart disease – helps to prevent fat buildups that may clog brain and heart arteries
Some types of cancer – it’s essential for the synthesis, mutilation, and restoration of genetic material
Alzheimer's disease – protects nerves’ tissues
Birth defects
For more information about Folic Acid and how to prevent birth defects you can access:
