Submitted by: Linda Schoene, Parish Nurse
Folic acid is well known for its benefits during pregnancy, but research continues to show the importance of folic acid in maintaining good health for everyone. Early research indicates that it may play a role in protecting men and women from heart disease and colon cancer.
Women of childbearing age (age 14 and older) should be especially aware of the importance of folic acid. Research has shown that if all women get 400 micrograms of synthetic folic acid each day BEFORE pregnancy, neural tube defects (NTD's) can be reduced by 50-70 percent. NTD's occur when the neural tube forming the spinal, cord, brain and bone surrounding these organs does not close properly. Two more common forms of this defect are spina bifida or "open spine" and anacephaly, which results in underdeveloped brain and skull.
Nearly one half of all pregnancies in the United States are unplanned or incorrectly timed. NTD's occur in the first 4-5 weeks of pregnancy before many women know they are even pregnant. The March of Dimes recommends that women who are: 1) in their reproductive years 2) capable of becoming pregnant and 3) are sexually active, take a daily multivitamin supplement containing 400 micrograms of folic acid.
Folic acid is a synthetic B vitamin found in supplements and fortified cereals. Folate is the form of this vitamin found naturally in such foods as beans, leafy green vegetables and orange juice. The body is able to utilize folic acid almost completely, but it only partially uses natural folate. This is why a daily vitamin supplement is recommended along with a healthy diet.
For more information call the March of Dimes or view their website at www.marchofdimes.com.