Folic acid foods for pregnancy

Folic acid is a heat susceptible, water soluble vitamin a.k.a. vitamin B9. It is sometimes also called Folacin. Yet another name is Folate which is the natural form of Folic acid. Folic acid is unusable but the liver can convert it into dihydrofolic acid and it is this form that the human body makes use of. The rate at which the liver creates dihydrofolic acid is quite slow so it is important to keep the proper level of Folic acid in the body at all times. Supplemental vitamins can assist in this. Folic acid is vulnerable to break down in ultraviolet light.

Folic acid is extremely key to the body. It aids with the synthesis of DNA and also in its maintenance and repair. It’s important for cell growth, especially those cells that grow and reproduce rapidly. In children and adults this is chiefly red blood cells. In unborn infants it is nearly everything as they grow and mature quite rapidly. An increase of Folic acid is very key for pregnant mothers.

Quite a few diseases and conditions can be attributed to Folic acid deficiency because it is involved with so many body processes. Anemia is a common disease. There are several types of Anemia but most center around a low red blood cell count. Since it is the red blood cells that take oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body this can add to some other problems of most organs. Weakness and fatigue can happen with Anemia due to a low oxygen amount in the human body. Weakness and fatigue can be common from a multitude of reasons including just a lack of sleep. This makes it tough to self diagnose.

Mental concerns like depression or confusion can occur. Those that have a Folic acid deficiency will also have a higher risk of stroke and heart disease.

Its important for women that are pregnant to eat Folic acid foods as a Folic acid deficiency leads to a deficiency for their unborn child too. If the deficiency is in the first trimester then a condition called Neural Tube Defects can take place. The end result is the brain, spine, and skill become deformed. Additional vitamin supplements in before this happens after conception are highly encouraged. For both adult genders, a Folic acid deficiency can cause sub-fertility rates as vitamin b9 helps with reproductive cells.

There are numerous Folic acid foods that can get most of your daily Folic acid requirements. Green leafy vegetables such as spinach, turnip greens, and romaine lettuce are high in Folic acid. Some other vegetables such as asparagus, beets, and broccoli are also good sources of Folic acid. Some legumes like peas and beans have good quantities of Folic acid. Brewer’s yeast is an additional source.

Grains and cereals can be fortified with Folic acid though there is currently some controversy. Not all governments mandate or encourage the addition of Folic acid into foods. Beginning in 1998, the United States had Folic acid added into enriched breads. A thorough review of the ingredients of any fortified food is wise to make sure you know how muck Folic acid you are getting.

Vitamin supplements have a higher bioavailability then natural Folic acid in foods. Bioavailability is the amount of a vitamin or nutrient can be absorbed. Because of this, taking supplements might be the best way to meet the recommended daily allowance. Especially in pregnant or seeking to become pregnant women that will need a dramatic increase in their Folic acids levels.

There is hardly a risk of toxicity because vitamin B9 is water soluble and if you do consume more then you absorb the rest can be carried out with the body's waste. The one side effect of Folic acid overdose is it worsens the effects of vitamin B12 deficiency. However if one is taking a multivitamin supplement this will be a lessened concern since both vitamins will be consumed at the same time.