A must-have for pregnancy! Is folic acid supplement necessary?
In recent years, a key issue often mentioned in pregnancy preparation guidelines is whether folic acid supplementation is necessary. Folic acid is a B vitamin that plays an important role for women preparing for and during pregnancy. So, do women who are preparing for pregnancy need to supplement folic acid? Next, we’ll delve deeper into this issue.
First, let us understand the role of folic acid. Folic acid can help synthesize DNA in the human body, which is very important for embryonic development and the formation of the neural tube. Therefore, folic acid supplementation during pregnancy is of great significance in preventing neural tube defects in the fetus. Research shows that folic acid supplementation can reduce the incidence of fetal neural tube defects, especially diseases such as spina bifida. Therefore, if you are planning to become pregnant or are already pregnant, it is very important to supplement with folic acid.
Secondly, let’s discuss how to supplement folic acid during pregnancy preparation. Under normal circumstances, it is recommended to supplement 400-800 micrograms of folic acid every day during pregnancy preparation. This can be achieved through diet, such as eating foods rich in folate such as green leafy vegetables, legumes, nuts and whole grains. Additionally, you can choose to take oral folic acid supplements to ensure you are getting enough folic acid. These supplements can usually be purchased at pharmacies or health food stores, but be sure to choose a reliable brand and follow the advice of your doctor or professional when choosing one.
In addition, it needs to be emphasized that folic acid supplementation is not just the responsibility of women. Studies have found that men\’s folate intake is also linked to the risk of fetal neural tube defects. Therefore, both couples who are preparing for pregnancy should pay attention to folic acid supplementation. Men can increase their folic acid intake by improving their diet, and they can also choose to take oral folic acid supplements.
In addition, there are some things to pay attention to. First of all, it is best to start folic acid intake three months before pregnancy and continue to supplement it during pregnancy. Secondly, folic acid supplementation cannot replace a balanced diet, so you should still pay attention to the intake of other important nutrients during pregnancy preparation, such as protein, iron and calcium. Finally, if you have any questions or concerns, it\’s best to seek the advice of your doctor or obstetrician-gynecologist for personalized advice.
In summary, folic acid supplementation during pregnancy preparation is very important to prevent fetal neural tube defects. We can ensure we get enough folic acid through both diet and oral supplements. In addition, men should also pay attention to their folic acid intake to reduce the risk of fetal neural tube defects. Finally, remember to eat a balanced diet while trying to conceive and seek advice from your doctor. I wish every expectant parent preparing for pregnancy a healthy baby!
