Folic Acid And Pregnancy

The importance of Folic Acid and pregnancy has been known for quite some time but sometimes overshadows the other benefits of folic acid. One of the B vitamins, Folic Acid is vital for cell growth as well as fetal development. Although there are common foods with folic acid, it is usually recommended for women expecting to become pregnant to take a supplement. Since folic acid side effects are rare, it is in everyones best interest to make sure they are getting enough.

Folic Acid and Pregnancy

The benefits of folic acid for fetal growth happen early on in the pregnancy. Having enough folic acid in your body during the beginning stages of pregnancy can reduce neural tube defects such as spina bifida and anencephaly by up to 70%. These defects will happen within the first month of pregnancy - maybe before you even know you are pregnant! Therefore it is vital to make sure you get enough folic acid at all times, especially if you are a women of child bearing age - you just never know!

Other Benefits of Folic Acid

The benefits of folic acid and pregnancy aren't the only ones this important B vitamin is responsible for. In conjunction with other B vitamins, it can help prevent reoccurrences of blocked arteries. It can reduce depression and has been shown to help in certain cancers such as breast, colon and cervical. Since Folic Acid helps protect neurons responsible for memory and learning it may be able to help in prevention of Alzheimer's disease.

Foods With Folic Acid

It is rather difficult to get enough of the vitamin through normal foods and since Folic Acid side effects are rare, a vitamin supplement is suggested. That's not to say that you shouldn't care about eating these foods - on the contrary! In addition to the health benefits of folic acid, these foods have lots of vitamins and minerals that will add to your health in many ways. Some common foods with Folic Acid are leafy green vegetables, orange juice and breads and cereals enriched with the vitamin.

Folic Acid Side Effects

The US RDA for adults is 150 to 400 MCG. Although there are few folic acid side effects for most people, there can be serious side effects for people with pernicious anemia so you should check with your doctor before taking this vitamin. Other side effects may include fever, weakness, rash, trouble breathing.

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