pregnant females (apex)
Folate or folic acid is a key nutrient to helping to lower the risk for certain birth defects and problems that happen during pregnancy. Most expectant mothers are encouraged to take in foods rich in folate or folic acid before and during pregnancy to help eliminate the risk for birth defects.
As far as I remember,folic acid is the most important one. It is recommended to be taken in the first trimester of pregnancy. I remember that it is especially important in preventing defects such as down syndrome. I also remember my physician mentioning nuchal translucency every time she asked me if I'm taking folic acid.
No but the most important thing about the prenatal vitamins is the folic acid. You can substitute prenatal vitamins for a multi-vitamin along with a daily dose of folic acid.
You should be taking 0.5mg of folate per day for three months before you fall pregnancy and for your entire pregnancy. Studies have shown that to be most effective you need to take this EVERY day, not just 6 days a week and hope for the best on the other day.
There are many vegetables that are rich in folic acid, especially dark and leafy vegetables. Such vegetables include; spinach, kale, broccoli and mustard greens.
Reproductive-age Females
Check the label. I assume that most would - this is the main reason why women take these vitamins. It is hard to get the required amount of folic acid from a normal diet.
Folic acid (supplement for the mother) is considered to be a GOOD thing early on in pregnancy. Doctors may recommend it be taken even before conception if you are actively trying for a child.Overdose - because folic acid is water soluble excess should be easily removed by the body (provided you are not dehydrated).Recommended level varies between countries; from 0.4mg to 5mg daily but the generally accepted level of 1mg seems to carry most medical favor.General - folic acid is a B-complex vitamin needed to form healthy cells, especially red blood cells, and can be taken by anyone at any age. It is found (naturally) in leafy greens and other veg, meats (liver, kidney), and citrus fruit.Warning - Some herbal products, anti malaria, antibiotics or anti-seizure drugs may not respond as they should when taking this as a supplement.
Because 50% of all pregnancies are unplanned, most researchers of folic acid and Spina Bifida would like to see all women of child bearing age take a daily supplement of .4 mg folic acid. (400 micrograms)Women who are at increased risk, who either have Spina Bifida themselves or who have had a prior pregnancy or child effected by NTD, should increase the amount to 4.0 mg (4000 micrograms) daily by prescription one to three months before they plan to conceive and through the end of the the first trimester.Any woman planning to conceive should speak to her health care provider about folic acid.
Unless you are allergic to any of the contents it should in fact be good for you.
The most common one is Folic acid or folate which is a B vitamin. It is also referred to as vitamin B₉.
someone who eats little or no animal proteins