Folic Acid and Healthy Babies
January is National Birth Defects Prevention Month, offering a chance to learn how we can
better prevent tragic birth defects. Fortunately, this may be as easy as taking your multi-vitamin/
mineral formula, as long as it’s rich in folic acid. Along with helping to prevent heart attack and
stroke, this invaluable B-vitamin protects unborn babies from developing terrible birth defects
called neural tube defects (NTDs).1
NTDs can occur very early in fetal development, within the month after conception. This is the
stage of pregnancy when the neural tube forms, eventually closing to become the spinal cord. If
the neural tube fails to close properly, an NTD such as spina bifida─a ghastly, disfiguring defect
of the spinal cord─may result.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 2,500 infants are born
each year in the United States with spina bifida, as well as anencephaly─a condition in which
babies are born missing part of their brain.2 Because NTDs can occur before a woman realizes
she's pregnant, it’s crucial for all females of childbearing age to consume enough folic acid.
Along with emphasizing food sources like dark-green leafy vegetables and legumes, the best
way to ensure optimal intake is through your daily multi-vitamin/mineral formula. This should
conservatively be at least 400 micrograms per day prior to conception, and 800 micrograms a
day during pregnancy. Amazingly, consuming enough folic acid before conception can prevent
at least 50% of NTDs! 3
All women planning to have babies would be well advised to start taking a comprehensive
prenatal nutrient formula well before conception. Why shortchange yourself nutritionally when
so much is at stake? Here’s to safe, healthy babies!
References
1 S D J Med 2002 Sep;55(9):389-91
2 Pediatrics 1999 Aug;104(2 Pt 1):325-7
3 Curr Opin Urol 2002 Nov;12(6):461-4
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