Importance of Folic acid

Answer 1

Folic acid, also known as Vitamin B9, has very important roles in your body. Your body does not store this vitamin, so daily intake is necessary. You can get the daily requirements from food or a dietary supplement.

Importance of Folic Acid in Pregnancy

If you have ever been pregnant you probably learned of the importance of getting enough folic acid, even before getting pregnant. Having the right amount of folic acid in your body is extremely important in the first few weeks of pregnancy - a time when many women don't even know they are pregnant. You should consider taking a folic acid supplement if there is a possibility of becoming pregnant, and continue with pre-natal vitamins during pregnancy, high in folic acid, to help prevent possible birth defects such as brain and spinal defects. These problems often develop within the first month of pregnancy. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, pregnant women should get 400 micrograms of folic acid daily.

Not Just For Women

Everyone needs to get adequate amounts of folic acid. The vitamin is essential for our bodies to make new cells. If you are deficient in folic acid you may develop anemia. Folic acid also may help to prevent Heart disease and certain types of cancers. There are also numerous other health benefits to folic acid.

How to Get it From Food

You can get folic acid from many foods, at which point it is actually consider Folate. But, if you don't consume enough of these you might want to consider a vitamin supplement. Choose dark green leafy vegetables, such as spinach and asparagus. Also many beans and nuts and citrus fruits are high in folate. Additionally, many cereals and other foods are now fortified with folic acid. This became mandated over 10 years ago and since then folic acid deficiencies have become less common. However, a person who consumes excessive amounts of alcohol or has a very poor diet is more likely to be at risk of a folic acid deficiency.