The
Vitamin Folate
Recently,
many studies concerning the use of folate before conception have
shown a significantly lower risk in the chance of neural tube defects
(abnormalities of the spinal cord like spina bifida and anencephaly)
in women who take folate before getting pregnant. Folic acid or
FOLATE is one of the vitamins of the B complex. It is necessary
in pregnancy not only as a prevention of neural tube defects but
also for prevention of anemia.
In
addition to pregnancy advantages, researchers are finding as much
as 30% of coronary heart disease, peripheral vascular disease, and
strokes were associated with folic acid deficiency. A strong association
between folic acid intake and bowel and cervical cancers has also
been shown. WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Folate
can be taken alone or in combination with prenatal vitamins. Because
of side effects caused by the iron, i.e., constipation, dark stools,
and nausea, some patients prefer to take folate alone.
The
body’s tissues and embryos need about 400 micrograms per day for
normal growth and function. Most multivitamins contain this amount
of folate, and all prenatal vitamins OTC do. Alternatives include
fortifying inexpensive grains in our diets such as flour, corn meal,
rice, and pasta.
If
you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact any one
of our staff. Wishing you all good health and safe pregnancies!
Robert
B. McWilliams, MD
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