FOLIC ACID NOW!

Some frequently asked questions about folic acid and what it can do for you and your unborn baby.

 
 

 

What is Folic Acid?

 

Folic Acid is a B-vitamin that helps to prevent birth defects that affect the development of a baby's brain and spinal cord. Folic Acid also play a role in the prevention of cleft palate and congenital heart defects, and may help to prevent certain types of adult cancers and heart disease.

Where can I get Folic Acid?

EVERYWHERE!

It is recommended that women of child bearing age take a vitamin containing 400 mcg of folic acid every day. These vitamins are available over the counter at pharmacies and at grocery stores. However, this is in addition to eating foods rich in folate.

 
 

 

Foods with the highest amount of folate include:

  • fruits, especially citrus fruits including oranges and orange juice
  • leafy green vegetables, including broccoli and spinach
  • dried beans including chick peas and lentils
  • and "enriched" foods including pasta, bread, flour and cereal.

Not sure if you are consuming enough folate in your diet?

Check out this folic acid calculator: http://www.citt.ufl.edu/projects/folic/

 
 

 

When should I start taking Folic Acid?

NOW! It is most important to take Folic Acid before you get pregnant . Your body is getting ready to have a baby, even if you are not. Waiting until you are pregnant may be too late for your baby. It is never too soon to protect your own health also. You can protect yourself from heart disease and cancers at the same time you are helping your body prepare for a healthy baby!

 
 

 

What are neural tube defects?

Between the 17 th and 30 th day after conception the neural tube develops and closes in the baby. The neural tube becomes the baby's spinal cord, spine, brain and skull. The neural tube defect (NTD) occurs when the neural tube fails to close, leaving the developing brain or spinal cord open to the amniotic fluid. The two most common types of NTD's are spina bifida and anencephaly.

 
 


Spina bifida occurs when the lower bones of the back and spinal cord do not develop properly. Eighty to ninety percent of babies born with spina bifida live, but they often suffer from paralysis of the legs and loss of control of the bowels and bladder.

Anencephaly is a fatal condition in which the upper end of the neural tube does not close. The brain does not fully develop. Often, pregnancies affected by anencephaly result in a miscarriage, those infants who are born alive die shortly after birth.

Anyone can have a baby with a neural tube defect. Each year about 4,000 pregnancies are affected by neural tube defects. At least HALF of these could be prevented by women taking Folic Acid BEFORE they get pregnant!

http://www.cdc.gov/doc.do/id/0900f3ec8000d558

 

  
 
Louisiana Folic Acid Council | 325 Loyola Ave. , Rm. 612 | New Orleans , LA 70112 | Tel: 504.568.8154 | Fax: 504.568.8162