Among the several benefits associated with intake of folic acid are the reduced risks of birth defects among fetus of pregnant women who take supplements of folic acid. Folic acid plays a crucial role in the normal development of a baby’s spine, brain and skull. This finding would be more evident during the first phase of pregnancy.
For the pregnant women, who take a supplement of folic acid daily before conception and in the earlier stages of pregnancy, the risk of giving birth to babies with neural tube defects would be low. An intake of around 400 mcg of folic acid is linked to lower chances of neural tube defects among infants. Spina bifida, anencephaly, and encephalocele are some of the most common birth defects that occur during the first four weeks of pregnancy. These defects may also arise even before the pregnancy is confirmed. Folic acid plays a crucial role in the development of DNA, in the growth and development of cells, and in the formation of tissues.
Thus, an intake of folic acid is highly recommended for pregnant women, women who are planning to get pregnant and women of childbearing age. Women are advised to take folic acid supplements before conception, and at least until three months after conception. Such a step would serve as a protection for the baby against neural tube defects.
Remember, eating foods fortified with folic acid is not sufficient to provide you with the recommended dosage of folic acid per day. Taking of folic acid supplements is necessary.
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