Your grandma never took folic acid when she was expecting and probably, your mum did not too! But, today if you are pregnant and visiting the doctor for a check up to confirm your pregnancy, you will be advised to take folic acid every day.
Many Singaporean mums do so. We know because you told us so. 88% of all polled mums reported that they took folic acid faithfully during pregnancy and, that surely is a generational change.
Based on a poll of 288 Abbott parents | Start Date: January 2010 | End Date: February 2010
'Folic acid' sounds rather scary to eat! But, folic acid is just the chemical name of one of the many B vitamins. Folic acid is found in some foods and in the body. This delicate vitamin is abundant in green leafy vegetables, orange juice, cantaloupe, spinach, asparagus, and dried beans. The big challenge with getting folic acid from natural food is that only 50% is absorbed. And, to top that off, cooking and storage further destroys the precious nutrient.
Folic acid has a critical role in cell replication and at the moments of life when cell replication is so rapid, folic acid needs are greatly enhanced. And, that probably is why it has such an important role in the development of a baby's brain and spinal cord.
Did you know?
Just 16 days after conception, the neural tube, the forerunner of the spinal chord and the brain, begins to form. And, it is complete by day twenty-seven. If this process does not proceed smoothly, birth defects such as spina bifida and ancephaly may result.
Many expectant women are not even sure of their pregnancy by this time!
Folic acid can help prevent birth defects of the brain and spinal cord called neural tube defects (NTDs). However, it works best when it is taken at the right time during pregnancy and in the right amount.
"Studies show that if all women consumed the recommended amount of folic acid before and during early pregnancy, up to 70 percent of all NTDs could be prevented." – March of Dimes1.1
Many foods such as maternal milk supplements and certain breakfast cereals are fortified with folic acid. Fortified foods also deliver several other key nutrients and are pleasant to consume. However, some mums do prefer popping a pill to meet their daily folic acid goal. Absorption from fortified foods and supplements is far more efficient. So, pick one that suits your eating style and, just do it!
Action Step: If you are of child bearing age, aim to consume enough folic acid each day. And, once you think you may be planning for a pregnancy, top up the level to 400 mcg of folic acid every day, with the use of fortified foods and / or a supplement, especially in the first trimester. Then, continue to keep up the folic acid throughout your pregnancy to support your rapidly growing fetus.
1. March of Dimes. Folic Acid Fact Sheet. Cited at http://www.marchofdimes.com/professionals/14332_1151.asp on 25 February 2010
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