Everything you need to know about Folic Acid
If you're taking a prenatal, you've heard of Folic acid, but why is Folic acid so important while you're pregnant?
2 Reasons:
1) It helps you make DNA.
2) Folic acid prevents spina bifida
(Which is why most breads are fortified with it... Spina bifida can occur during the first few weeks of pregnancy - before you even know you're pregnant- and why it's imperative to start a prenatal before you become pregnant)
Folic Acid vs. Folate
Folic acid is the supplement form of the naturally occurring vitamin Folate (also known as B-9)
You will need 400-800 mcg of folic acid per day
Taking more than 1000 mcg of folic acid can cause health problems because it can mask a deficit of vitamin B-12.
Folic acid is a supplement, while Folate is a naturally occurring food that you don't need to worry about eating too much of...
Folate can be found in:
Dark leafy greens
Citrus
Asparagus
Avocado
Nuts and seeds
Broccoli
Beans, peas, lentils
Okra
Cauliflower
Beets
Corn
Carrots
Celery
Squash
So, if you're trying to get pregnant, start taking a prenatal vitamin as soon as possible. Don't worry if you haven't been, because most likely you'll have been taking in folate with a healthy diet and folic acid via fortified bread.
Please share this with a friend who is trying to get pregnant! xo