Folic acid (B9) is a water-soluble vitamin of group B. It has a very important role in the development of the baby's central nervous system during pregnancy. In its deficiency, anomalies such as Spina Bifida (incomplete closure of the spine) and Anencephaly (failure of skull bones to develop) are encountered under the name of Neural Tube Defects. In addition, folic acid prevents anemia by participating in the production of red blood cells.
When should folic acid be started and in what dosage and duration should it be taken?
Folic acid is recommended if pregnancy is planned. It should be started at least 1 month, preferably 3 months before pregnancy. A daily intake of 400 micrograms (0.4 milligrams) of folic acid is recommended. If a surprise pregnancy occurs, it should be started as soon as the presence of pregnancy is detected. It should be continued until the 12th week of pregnancy. There is no harm in continuing after the 12th week.
Who should take higher doses of folic acid?
- If one of the parents has a Neural Tube Defect.
- If there has been a previous pregnancy with Neural Tube Defect
- If there is a history of Neural Tube Defect in the mother or father's family
- If the mother has Diabetes
- The mother is overweight is overweight (BMI >30)
- If the mother has epilepsy and is being treated
In these cases, it is recommended to take 5 milligrams of Folic acid daily.
Which foods contain folic acid?
Green leafy vegetables, spinach, broccoli, asparagus, brussels sprouts, beets, multigrain breads, lentils, beans, corn, almonds, peanuts, Sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, orange, grapefruit, tangerine and avocado are foods very rich in folic acid.
Since folic acid is a water-soluble vitamin, it will be more beneficial to consume it by steaming or cooking in a microwave oven. When cooked for a long time and boiled in water, folic acid will become useless.
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