2006-10-24 07:48:20 · 5 answers · asked by Turbo's Baby 1 in Health ➔ Women's Health
Folic acid, a B vitamin, helps prevent birth defects of the brain and spinal cord when taken very early in pregnancy.
Most resources recommend between 400 mcg and 1000 mcg per day for pregnant women and women who are trying to conceive. The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for folate equivalents for pregnant women is 600 micrograms.
The good news is that folic acid is a water soluble vitamin, so if you are getting more than your body needs if will just be excreted in your urine.
It is important to also eat a healthy diet that includes foods that contain folate, the natural form of the vitamin. Such foods include fortified breakfast cereals, dried beans, leafy green vegetables and orange juice.
2006-10-24 08:10:03 · answer #1 · answered by Jamie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you want to be certain that you are getting enough, take a daily multivitamin that contains 400 micrograms of folic acid.
Note: According to the National Academy of Sciences, women of childbearing age should consume 400 micrograms of folic acid daily from fortified foods, vitamin supplements, or a combination of the two. This is in addition to the natural folate these women should be receiving from a varied diet. As with all supplements, consult your physician before taking folate during pregnancy.
Why do you need folic acid?
Adequate intake of folic acid, vitamin B-9, lowers a woman's risk of giving birth to a baby with neural tube defects, such as spina bifida. Folic acid is necessary for all DNA, RNA and new cell production, especially during pregnancy. It's required for production of healthy red and white blood cells and is needed to utilize amino acids and enzymes. Additionally, new research shows that it may play a role in preventing heart disease by reducing homocysteine levels, high levels of which are associated with heart disease.
2006-10-26 04:08:15 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
At least 2.5mg a day along with a prenatal vitamin. The best brand in my opinon is natures choice.
2006-10-24 07:51:39 · answer #3 · answered by Jackie 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
apparently it helps with all the fetal developement of the bay's spine and brain so its important to get that right amount administered by your Ob/Gyn pediatric doctor.. ask your doctor
2006-10-24 07:52:58 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
400 or 500 mg. a day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2006-10-24 07:50:38 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋