If you had asked me a few years ago about the importance of taking a folic acid supplement, I would have known little about it. But over the past few years I have realised just how inportant it can be and not just for a few women, but most. The following comments may help explain.

Folic Acid

 Folic acid deficiency has been linked to many pregnancy complications, including neural tube defects, anaemia, miscarriage, placental abruption and stillbirth. Because folic acid is water soluble it is easily destroyed through poor cooking methods (it is readily destroyed by heat). The use of diuretics, consuming alcohol and constant diarrhoea will cause this vitamin to be lost from the body. Women are constantly excreting this precious B vitamin through menstruation and poor diet. Taking a supplement daily should be a requirement for all pregnant and breastfeeding mothers.

A diet rich in folic acid is not enough; most women will need to take a supplement. You can either take this vitamin alone or in a multivitamin. Blackmores is an excellent brand. The strength usually recommended is between 1 – 5 mg depending on your doctor’s advice.

Folic acid is found naturally in Liver, torula yeast, nuts, and green vegetables especially broccoli and spinach. Other foods with folic acid content are: 

 

Wheatgerm

Brewer’s yeast

Soya beans

Asparagus

Lentils

Walnuts

Peanuts

Brussel sprouts

Wholegrains.

 

Folic acid destroyers: 

oral contraceptives

Light

Vinegar

Alcohol

Some anticonvulsant drugs used to treat epilepsy

Diarrhoea

Heavy menstruation

 

Folic acid needs to be taken with Vitamins C, B12 and B6.

 Obviously, some of the causes of a deficiency aren't going to apply to most of the women here (alcohol, contraceptives etc). But what about heavy menstruation, a poor diet and diarrhoea. A deficiency is not always noticeable either. You may not have glaring symptoms, so taking a supplement will be helpful. It can't hurt you as any your body doesn't need or use is excreted. It is not like some of the vitamins (A, E etc) that store in your liver and may cause harm if taken in excess.

If you would like more information doing a web search is helpful. There is a lot of information out there.