Folic acid , also known as vitamin B9 , is an essential vitamin for human health. A vitamin that our body cannot produce on its own . The latter plays a very important role in the development of the brain, the nervous system, as well as in the production of red blood cells and DNA. Folic acid has many benefits during the conception of the baby and the course of pregnancy. For all future mothers who are wondering about these questions: When should I start taking it? What are its benefits ? What are the consequences of a lack of folic acid in your body? In this blog post, we will cover this subject in detail by answering all your questions.
Summary
- What is folic acid?
- What is his role ?
- Where to find folic acid?
- folic acid and pregnancy
- What are the consequences of a lack of folic acid?
What is folic acid?
Vitamin B9 , also called folic acid, is essential for the proper functioning of our body and those throughout our lives. Unfortunately, the human body does not know how to manufacture it itself and must therefore find it in food or with the help of food supplements. Vitamin B9 plays an important role because it is involved in cell growth and renewal . It is all the more important before and at the beginning of pregnancy! Indeed, the intake of vitamin B9 is essential because it helps to avoid severe deficiencies and meets the nutrient needs necessary for the smooth running of pregnancy.
What is his role ?
Folic acid plays an important role in ensuring the functions of our body . Vitamin B9 is essential for the production of new cells, which makes it essential during periods of growth such as pregnancy, as it contributes to the growth of maternal tissues and the closure of the neural tube of the fetus .
It also plays an important role in the formation of red blood cells, in the functioning of the nervous system of the embryo , as well as in wound healing. Folic acid also helps reduce fatigue, normal mental functions and contributes to the proper functioning of the immune system.
Where to find folic acid?
in food
Folic acid is found naturally in many foods , such as green leafy vegetables, whole grains, beans, legumes, dried fruits and nuts. You can therefore find vitamin B9 in these various dissolved foods:
- lentils;
- Chickpeas ;
- spinach ;
- asparagus;
- chews;
- Brussels sprouts ;
- orange;
- broccoli
- liver ;
- …
In the form of a dietary supplement
You can get dietary supplements that contain vitamin B9 at various outlets. Please consult a healthcare professional for a prescription, advice on these dietary supplements and help with dosage.
folic acid and pregnancy
Vitamin B9 is strongly recommended in case of pregnancy project, during pregnancy and while breastfeeding! We explain why:
In the event of a future pregnancy project:
Women planning to become pregnant are recommended to take folic acid supplements before conceiving a baby. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that pregnant women take a folic acid supplement of at least 400 micrograms daily before pregnancy and during the first three months of pregnancy.
In both women and men, folic acid can increase fertility and improve sperm quality .
Women who have already had a child with a neural tube defect are also recommended to take folic acid supplements before conceiving again.
It is important to note that folic acid cannot cure neural tube defects once they have occurred . This is why it is important to take supplements before pregnancy.
If you are pregnant and did not take folic acid supplements before becoming pregnant, it is recommended that you start taking them as early as possible in your pregnancy .
During pregnancy :
Folic acid is an important vitamin for general health, and it is especially crucial during pregnancy. This vitamin helps in the formation of the neural tube of the fetus , which develops within the first week after fertilization. If the neural tube does not grow properly, it can lead to abnormalities like spina bifida .
This is why pregnant women are recommended to take a folic acid supplement * before and during pregnancy! This can help prevent birth defects.
* Pregnant women are recommended to take a folic acid supplement of at least 400 micrograms daily during the first trimester of pregnancy. Folic acid is also important for the production of red blood cells and helping the immune system.
It is recommended to speak to a healthcare professional before taking folic acid supplements during pregnancy. He can recommend a specific dose based on your personal situation.
When breastfeeding:
It is recommended that breastfeeding women continue to take folic acid supplements during this period. This vitamin is important for the immune system, and it can help prevent anemia in women.
It's also important to note that folic acid is found in a variety of foods , including leafy green vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and fruits. By including these foods in your diet, you can ensure you are getting an adequate amount of folic acid while breastfeeding!
What are the consequences of a lack of folic acid?
A lack of folic acid can have several health consequences. The body's reserves are low, so deficiency is quite common . First of all, it can cause anemias , ie a lack of red blood cells in the blood. This can result in chronic fatigue, irritability , and pale skin .
In pregnant women, a lack of folic acid can lead to fetal neural tube defects , which can manifest as spina bifida, which is a malformation of the spine.
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