Folic acid in pregnancy

One of the most important things you can do for your baby is to take a daily supplement of folic acid. Not only does it prevent serious birth defects in your baby, but it also helps prevent anemia. Read on to find out more about how you can increase your consumption of folic acid.

In addition to helping prevent neural tube defects in the first trimester, folic acid has some important functions throughout pregnancy. Discover the best dietary sources of folic acid and find out when it’s advisable to take a supplement.

Folic acid, or folate, is a type of B vitamin that is important in the prevention of neural tube defects such as spina bifida and helps to ensure your baby’s spine develops properly. Studies show that increasing your intake of folic acid at the time when your baby’s spine is developing reduces the risk of neural tube defects. That’s why you’re advised to take 400mcg of folic acid ideally before you conceive, or from when you first find out you’re pregnant.

Folic acid also aids cell division and the formation of red blood cells making it important throughout pregnancy to encourage the optimum growth of your baby. If you have any concerns about supplements, why not give our Careline team a call on 009647723342222 (Other countries) between the hours of 9am and 6pm Saturday to Thursday)? Our nutritionist will do their best to help you find the answers.

Good sources

• Granary or wholemeal bread
• Most fruits, especially oranges, grapefruit, blackberries and raspberries
• Parsnips, avocados, and leafy green vegetables
• Cooked black-eyed beans, baked beans, chickpeas and lentils
• Cereals which are fortified with folic acid
• Milk and yogurt
• Yeast or malt extracts (both spread and drinks)