The
body is unable to synthesize certain vitamins such as Folic acid therefore it
needs to acquire it through foods. Green leafy vegetables such as lettuce,
spinach, asparagus, watercress, legumes, nuts and fortified cereals among many
others, have the highest levels of this vitamin. The body has a high demand for
this vitamin during pregnancy making supplements a necessity during this time.
The
‘British Medical Journal’ recently published that only 20% of pregnant women in
Europe were taking this supplement and recommended that it should be made
mandatory just as it is in the US.
Why
the need to provide pregnant women with Folic acid?
It
has been shown that Folic acid prevents the emergence of spina bifida and anencephaly
or lack of development of the brain, which would result in the emergence of
mental retardation, problems with urination and difficulties when walking for
the child.
Recent
studies have shown that supplements of Folic acid in pregnant women would also
aid in preventing congenital heart disease and cleft lips in children, whilst
also reducing by the risk of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia by 60%.
The
recommended dosage would always depend on whether there has been a previous
family history of children with spina bifida, or if the mum is obese or
diabetic.
It
would be ideal to start taking Folic acid two months prior to conceiving if the
pregnancy is planned; if it is not, then it is recommended that a pregnancy test
should be carried out as soon as possible to confirm the pregnancy and begin
taking Folic acid.
Never
forget that our health and that of our children deserve it.
Dr
J. Hurtado Martínez
Medical
Director of HealthSalus
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