Folic acid is vitamin B that is used in the synthesis of new cells in our body. Every human body needs folic acid, but it is significant for pregnant women. Even her body should have enough folic acid before getting pregnant to avoid significant birth risks and defects in her baby's spine and brain.


These defects are called neural tube defects that can be prevented by consuming an adequate amount of folic acid. It can be consumed through the food we eat. Some fruits and vegetables naturally rich in folic acid are okra, beans, yeast, okra, and some green leafy vegetables. Folic acid is considered entirely used for other issues that women face most like anxiety, depression, and a decrease in memory.


Why Is It Important For the Body?


Folate performs many vital functions in our body. Its primary function is the formation of new and healthy red blood cells in the body, and these red blood cells carry oxygen. Without it, the body may develop anemia, pale complexion with weakness, and fatigue.

It plays an essential role in the synthesis of DNA and helps divide the cell. Furthermore, during pregnancy, women need an adequate amount of folic acid to prevent congenital disabilities and any harm to the baby.


Neural Tube Defects


A neural tube defect is a defect of the brain and spinal cord that may occur in the baby if the mother is deficient in folic acid during pregnancy or before pregnancy. These neural tube irregularities can be life-threatening. But if the mother consumes an adequate and satisfying amount of folic acid, it can prevent these defects and avoid preterm birth, cleft palate, and heart problems.


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According to the CDC and US Public Health Service, the women who are likely to be pregnant should get about 400micrograms of folic acid every day. You can take multivitamins or separate folic acid supplements for its consumption. You can take it by having cereals in your breakfast, the most significant folic acid source.


Folic Acid Highly Effective For


Folic is very likely to affect us in some situations to prevent us from severe consequences like;


  • It affects the higher amount of homocysteine in the body, which can cause stroke and other heart diseases. Folic acid lowers its level in the blood, mainly in people with kidney failure.
  • With growing age, people usually lose their memory and forget things earlier. In this case, folic acid may help improve the memory of older people, which declines with their age.
  • It can maintain and lower blood pressure in women with high blood pressure and those suffering from any stress and anxiety.
  • Vitiligo, the disease in which there develop white patches on the skin, can be reduced by consuming folic acid.


When Should Women Take Folic Acid?


The neural tube defects or other defects occur in the starting few weeks of pregnancy at the time when the woman may not know that she is pregnant. So it is necessary to make a habit of taking folic acid supplements daily even if they are not expecting them.

When she gets pregnant, it will be a must to prevent the baby from lifetime disabilities. There is the wrong concept among women nowadays that they can get all the necessary vitamins and minerals through their food. Still, they have a poor diet. It is impossible to get an adequate amount of nutrients. That's why they need some supplements to fulfill the body's needs.


Deficiency Of Folate Among Women


Folate is an essential constituent for women, but its deficiency can cause severe abnormalities and disturbances among women like

  • Megaloblastic anemia
  • Weakness
  • Difficulty in concentrating
  • Headache
  • Change in the color of nails and the skin

Folate deficiency can cause a severe issue in pregnant women, people who consume alcohol, etc.

As such, there are no side effects of folic acid. If consumed in a large amount, it may sometimes upset the stomach but is water-soluble, so its extra amount can be flushed out with urine.


Concluding It


Folic acid is the synthetic form of folate necessary for the body's proper functioning. There are many food sources of folic acid, like lettuce, green peas, orange juice, beans, etc., that we can consume to fulfill our requirements, but some people need supplements to overcome its deficiency, like pregnant women.


Please book an appointment with the best Gynecologist in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and all major cities of Pakistan through InstaCare, or call our helpline at 03100002273 to find the verified doctor for your disease.


Source: https://instacare.pk/blog/why-every-woman-needs-folic-acid-all-you-need-to-know