Preparing for pregnancy is an exciting and expectant stage. For couples who are preparing to have children, folic acid is one of the essential nutrients in preparing for pregnancy. In this article, I will focus on the effects of folic acid and the correct way to take it, to help couples preparing for pregnancy better understand and utilize folic acid.
1. The efficacy of folic acid
1. Promote fetal development: Folic acid plays a vital role in fetal neural tube closure and brain development. It helps form the fetus\’s brain and spinal cord and reduces the risk of neural tube defects such as spina bifida.
2. Prevent premature birth and low birth weight: Insufficient folic acid intake may increase the risk of premature birth and low birth weight. Adequate folic acid intake can help maintain a normal pregnancy and reduce the risk of related complications.
3. Enhance the immune system of pregnant women: Folic acid is beneficial to the immune system function of pregnant women. It can improve the activity of immune cells, enhance the ability to resist diseases, and protect the health of pregnant women and fetuses.
2. The correct way to take folic acid
1. Start supplementing before starting to prepare for pregnancy: It is best to start supplementing with folic acid before preparing for pregnancy, because the embryonic neural tube development has already begun in the early stages of pregnancy. It is recommended that women consume 400-800 micrograms of folic acid every day, and men can also consume moderate amounts.
2. Choose the right folic acid supplement: You can choose folic acid supplements to meet your body\’s needs, but you should choose products with reliable brands and guaranteed quality. It is best to seek the advice of your doctor or pharmacist to choose the dose and form that suits you.
3. Eat more foods rich in folic acid: Folic acid can be obtained not only through supplements, but also through food. Foods rich in folic acid include green leafy vegetables (such as spinach, rape, lettuce), beans (such as soybeans, black beans, red beans), nuts (such as walnuts, almonds), etc.
4. Be aware of folic acid interactions: There may be interactions between folic acid and other drugs or substances. For example, anti-epileptic drugs, antibiotics, alcohol, etc. can affect the absorption and utilization of folic acid. When taking other medications, it is best to consult your doctor or pharmacist about their effects on folic acid.
5. Maintain long-term supplementation: During pregnancy preparation, folic acid supplementation should be a long-term process. Even after pregnancy, you need to continue to supplement folic acid to support the healthy development of the fetus.
To sum up, folic acid isPlays an important role in preparing for pregnancy. Couples who are preparing to have children should start supplementing with folic acid before preparing for pregnancy, choose appropriate supplements and foods to meet their needs, and avoid the risks caused by insufficient folic acid. At the same time, pay attention to the interaction between folic acid and other drugs and maintain long-term folic acid supplementation. I hope this article will be helpful for couples preparing for pregnancy to understand the effects of folic acid and the correct way to take it. I wish them a smooth welcome to the baby!
