Why do women need folic acid in pregnancy?

Did you know that a daily supplement of 400 micrograms of folic acid is recommended when women are trying to conceive? According to the British Department of Health the same dose should be taken for the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, when the spine is developing. Folic acid is important for the development of the foetus and reduces the risk of neural tube defects.  Women with increased risk of neural tube defect should take a dose of 5 milligrams of folic acid each day until the 12^th week of the pregnancy.

Dietary sources of folic acid include green, leafy vegetables, brown rice and granary bread. It would be almost impossible though to get enough folic acid from food, so a supplement can guarantee a pregnant woman is getting the right amount.

Read more: http://www.nhs.uk/chq/pages/913.aspx?categoryid=54&

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folic acid pregnancy