Folic acid during pregnancy: why is it needed

Folic acid (vitamin B9): a key player in a healthy development of pregnancy

Folic acid, also known as vitamin B9 or folat (the natural form contained in food products), plays a critical role in cellular and growth processes, especially during pregnancy. Its meaning goes far beyond the simple maintenance of the mother’s health; It is a fundamental building block for the development of a healthy fetus, significantly reducing the risk of serious innate defects. This article comprehensively considers the meaning of folic acid during pregnancy, covering its functions, recommended doses, food sources, deficiency risks, and various aspects associated with its technique before, during and after pregnancy.

Folic acid functions in the body of a pregnant woman and a developing fetus:

Folic acid performs many vital functions, especially relevant during pregnancy:

Synthesis DNA and RNA: Folic acid is a coherent necessary for the synthesis and restoration of DNA and RNA, genetic material, which determines all aspects of the development of the body. During the period of rapid cellular division and growth, characteristic of embryonic and fetal development, the need for folic acid increases sharply.
The formation of red blood cells: Folic acid is necessary for the production of healthy red blood cells (red blood cells). Folic acid deficiency can lead to megaloblastic anemia, a state in which red blood cells become abnormally large and incapable of effectively tolerate oxygen. During pregnancy, the need for iron and folic acid increases to maintain both maternal and fetal circulation.
Formation of the nervous tube: One of the most important roles of folic acid during pregnancy is its participation in the formation of a nervous tube, a structure that develops in the head and spinal cord of the fetus. Sufficient consumption of folic acid during the period of the perception (before and in the early stages of pregnancy) significantly reduces the risk of defects in the nervous tube, such as the cleft spine (Spina Bifida) and an anencephaly.
Amino acid metabolism: Folic acid plays a key role in amino acid metabolism, especially homocysteine. Folic acid deficiency can lead to an increase in the level of homocysteine in the blood, which is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases and complications of pregnancy, such as preeclampsia and placental detachment.
Growth and development of fabrics: Folic acid contributes to the growth and development of all tissues of the body, including the placenta, which provides nutrition and oxygen to the fetus. Sufficient consumption of folic acid provides optimal growth and development of the fetus.
Maintaining the immune system: Folic acid is important for maintaining a healthy immune system in both the mother and the fetus. It plays a role in the production and functioning of immune cells.
Synthesis neurotransmitted: Folic acid is involved in the synthesis of neurotransmitters, chemicals that transmit signals between nerve cells. This is important for the development of the brain of the fetus and its future cognitive function.

Recommended doses of folic acid when planning pregnancy, during pregnancy and during lactation:

Recommended doses of folic acid vary depending on the period of time and individual risk factors:

Pregnancy planning: All women planning pregnancy are recommended to take 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid per day, starting at least one month before conception and continuing during the first three months of pregnancy. This is due to the fact that the nerve pipe of the fetus is formed at the earliest stages of pregnancy, often before a woman learns about her pregnancy.
During pregnancy: During pregnancy, it is recommended to take 600 μg of folic acid per day. This increase is necessary to meet the increased needs of the mother and the developing fruit.
During the lactation: During lactation, it is recommended to take 500 μg of folic acid per day. This is necessary to maintain the health of the mother and provide enough folic acid in breast milk for the baby.
Women with risk factors: Women with certain risk factors, such as the previous pregnancy, affected by a defect in the nervous tube, family history of defects in the nervous tube, epilepsy (especially if anticonvulsant drugs are taken) or diabetes, may require a higher dose of folic acid (up to 4000 mcg per day), as prescribed by the doctor. This is necessary to reduce the risk of re -occurrence of defects in the nervous tube.

Food sources of folic acid (folate):

Although folic acid is available in the form of additives, it is also important to include in your diet products rich in a folat:

Dark green leafy vegetables: Spinach, broccoli, Romen salad, asparagus, Brussels cabbage, leaf cabbage.
Legumes: Lentils, beans (black, red, white), chickpeas, peas.
Fruits: Avocado, oranges, papaya, grapefruit, strawberries, bananas.
Enriched products: Many products, such as bread, cereals, pasta and rice, are enriched with folic acid. It is important to read the labels to make sure that the product contains folic acid.
Liver: Beef liver is a rich source of folic acid, but its use should be limited during pregnancy due to the high content of vitamin A.
Eggs: Eggs contain a moderate amount of folic acid.
Nuts and seeds: Almonds, peanuts, sunflower seeds.

It is important to note that the folate is a water -soluble vitamin, and it can be destroyed in cooking, especially with boiling. Therefore, it is recommended to cook products rich in a folate, steamed or in a microwave, in order to preserve the maximum amount of vitamin. It is also recommended to eat raw vegetables when possible.

Folic acid deficiency: risks and consequences for the mother and fetus:

Folic acid deficiency during pregnancy can have serious health consequences for both the mother and the fetus:

Nervous tube defects: As already mentioned, the deficiency of folic acid significantly increases the risk of defects of the nervous tube in the fetus, such as the crevice of the spine and anencephalus. The cleft spine occurs when the spinal cord does not closed completely during development, which can lead to physical and neurological disorders. Anencephalus is a deadly defect in which the fetus does not have a large part of the brain and skull.
Megaloblastic anemia: Folic acid deficiency can lead to megaloblastic anemia in the mother, which is characterized by fatigue, weakness, pallor of the skin and other symptoms. Severe anemia can increase the risk of premature birth and low birth weight.
Precomports: Some studies associate a deficiency of folic acid with an increased risk of preeclampsia, a serious complication of pregnancy, characterized by high blood pressure and damage to organs (most often kidneys and liver).
Metting of the placenta: Folic acid deficiency can increase the risk of placental detachment, a state in which the placenta is separated from the uterine wall to childbirth, which can lead to bleeding and threaten the life of the mother and fetus.
Premature birth and low birth weight: Folic acid deficiency can increase the risk of premature birth and the birth of a child with a low weight.
Intrauterine development delay: Folic acid deficiency can lead to a delay in intrauterine development of the fetus, which can affect its growth and development.
Increased risk of cardiovascular disease: Folic acid deficiency can lead to an increase in the level of homocysteine in the blood, which is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
Disorders of cognitive development: Some studies show that folic acid deficiency during pregnancy can negatively affect the cognitive development of the child in the future.

Factors affecting the absorption of folic acid:

Several factors can affect the absorption of folic acid from food and additives:

Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract: Diseases, such as celiac disease, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, can disrupt the absorption of folic acid.
Some drugs: Some drugs, such as anticonvulsant drugs (for example, phenytoin, phenobarbital) and methotrexate (used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and cancer), may prevent the absorption of folic acid.
Alcohol: The use of alcohol can disrupt the assimilation and metabolism of folic acid.
Vitamin B12 deficiency: Vitamin B12 deficiency can mask the deficiency of folic acid, since both vitamins are necessary for normal blood formation. It is important to check the level of vitamin B12 before taking folic acid additives.
Genetic factors: Some genetic factors, such as the mutation of the MthFR gene (methylentetrahydrofolateredocutase), can affect the body’s ability to convert folic acid into its active form, necessary for metabolic processes. Women with a MTHFR mutation may need to take additives with methylphulatory, an active form of folic acid.

Folic acid and other vitamins and minerals:

Folic acid interacts closely with other vitamins and minerals, and it is important to ensure a sufficient level of these nutrients for the optimal health of the mother and fetus:

Vitamin B12: As mentioned above, vitamin B12 is necessary for normal hematopoiesis, and its deficiency can mask the deficiency of folic acid. It is important to maintain an adequate level of vitamin B12 during pregnancy.
Iron: Iron is necessary for the production of hemoglobin, protein in red blood cells, which tolerates oxygen. During pregnancy, the need for iron increases, and many women accept iron supplements. Folic acid and iron work together to maintain healthy hematopoiesis.
Calcium: Calcium is necessary for the development of bones and teeth of the fetus. During pregnancy, the need for calcium also increases.
Vitamin D: Vitamin D is necessary for the absorption of calcium and to maintain the health of the bones of the mother and fetus. Many women have a deficiency of vitamin D, and they may need to take additives.
Kholin: Kholin is an important nutrient for the development of the brain of the fetus. It plays a role in the formation of cell membranes and transmitting nerve impulses. Many prenatal vitamins contain choline.

How to choose a folic acid supplement:

When choosing an additive of folic acid, it is important to consider the following factors:

Folic acid form: Folic acid supplements are available in various forms, including folic acid and methylphulatory (5-methyltetrahydrofolat or 5-mthf). Methylphulatory is an active form of folic acid, and some experts recommend it for women with MTHFR mutation.
Dosage: Make sure that the additive contains the recommended dose of folic acid for your pregnancy period (400 μg for planning, 600 μg during pregnancy and 500 μg during lactation).
Quality: Choose additives from reliable manufacturers who test their products for cleanliness and efficiency.
Prenatal vitamins: Many prenatal vitamins contain folic acid, as well as other important vitamins and minerals necessary during pregnancy. Discuss with your doctor what prenatal vitamin is best suited for you.
Other ingredients: Pay attention to other ingredients in addition, especially if you have allergies or sensitivity.

Folic acid and prevention of other congenital defects:

Although folic acid is most famous for its role in the prevention of defects in the nervous tube, studies show that it can also play a role in the prevention of other innate defects, such as:

Heart defects: Some studies associate sufficient consumption of folic acid with a lower risk of certain heart defects in the fetus.
Cutual lips and sky: Some studies show that folic acid can help reduce the risk of crevice of the lips and the sky.
Limb defects: Some studies associate folic acid with a lower risk of limb defects.

Myths and errors about folic acid:

There are several myths and misconceptions about folic acid:

Myth: Only women with a family history of defects in the nervous tube should take folic acid.
- Fact: All women planning pregnancy and pregnant women are recommended to take folic acid, since most defects in the nervous tube occur in women without any known risk factors.
Myth: If I eat healthy food, I do not need to take folic acid supplements.
- Fact: Although it is important to consume products rich in a folate, it is difficult to get a sufficient amount of folic acid only from food, especially during pregnancy. Folic acid supplements are necessary to provide sufficient consumption.
Myth: too much folic acid is harmful.
- Fact: Folic acid is a water -soluble vitamin, and excess is usually excreted from the body in urine. However, as with any nutrient, it is important not to exceed the recommended dose. High doses of folic acid can mask vitamin B12 deficiency and can have other negative consequences.
Myth: Folic acid is important only in the first trimester of pregnancy.
- Fact: Although folic acid is most important in the first trimester to prevent defects in the nervous tube, it is also important throughout pregnancy to maintain healthy growth and development of the fetus. In addition, folic acid is important during lactation to ensure a sufficient amount of vitamin in breast milk.

Folic acid and male health:

Folic acid is important not only for women’s health, but also for male health. It plays a role in spermatogenesis (sperm production) and can affect the quality of sperm. Folic acid deficiency in men can be associated with:

A decrease in the number of sperm
Increased risk of sperm abnormalities
An increased risk of infertility

Men planning conception are also recommended to use a sufficient amount of folic acid to maintain sperm health.

Folic acid and postnatal period:

After childbirth, folic acid remains important for the health of the mother. It helps in restoring the body after childbirth and supports breast milk production. During lactation, it is recommended to take 500 μg of folic acid per day.

Folic acid and the effect on the weight of the mother and child:

There is no direct evidence that folic acid directly affects the weight of the mother or child. However, since folic acid plays an important role in the growth and development of the fetus, sufficient consumption of this vitamin contributes to a healthy weight at birth. Folic acid deficiency can increase the risk of low weight at birth.

Folic acid and the effect on the intellectual development of the child:

Some studies show that sufficient consumption of folic acid during pregnancy may positively affect the intellectual development of the child. Folic acid plays an important role in the development of the brain and the nervous system of the fetus.

Folic acid and the effect on the emotional state of the mother:

Some studies associate a deficiency of folic acid with an increased risk of depression and anxiety in pregnant women. Folic acid plays a role in the synthesis of neurotransmitters that affect mood.

Folic acid with multiple pregnancy:

Women, pregnant twins or more, require a higher dose of folic acid than women with a single pregnancy. The recommended dose of folic acid for multiple pregnancy is 1000 μg per day.

Folic acid: interaction with caffeine and other stimulants:

Caffeine and other stimulants can reduce the absorption of folic acid. It is recommended to limit the consumption of caffeine during pregnancy to ensure the optimal assimilation of folic acid and other important nutrients.

Folic acid and dietary restrictions (vegetarianism, veganism):

It is important for vegetarian and vegans to pay special attention to obtaining a sufficient amount of folic acid from food sources, such as dark green leafy vegetables, legumes and enriched products. They may also need to take folic acid supplements to satisfy their needs.

Folic acid and genetic tests for the MTHFR mutation:

The genetic test for the MTHFR mutation can determine whether a woman has a genetic predisposition to a decrease in the ability to convert folic acid into its active form. Women with a MTHFR mutation may need to take additives with methylphulatory.

Conclusion:

Folic acid is an indispensable vitamin for women planning pregnancy, pregnant and breastfeeding. Sufficient consumption of folic acid is crucial to prevent defects in the nervous tube and maintaining healthy growth and the development of the fetus. It is important to use products rich in a folate, and take folic acid supplements in recommended doses. Discuss with your doctor what dose of folic acid is best suited for you, and make sure that you get a sufficient amount of this important nutrient for the health of you and your child.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.

Folic acid during pregnancy: why is it needed

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