ALL WE NEED KNOW ABOUT: FOLIC ACID

Folic acid is a B vitamin and our bodies utilize it to develop new cells. If we think about the skin, hair, and nails. These main parts and other parts of the body  make new cells each day and in every second. Folic acid is the man-made (that is, not generally occurring naturally) form of folate  that’s why need to take supplements and its found in some fortified foods such as rice, pasta, bread, and some breakfast cereals that fulfil its requirements.

FOLIC ACID DEFICIENCY IMPACT:

Anaemia has high prevalence estimate 43% of non-pregnant women of reproductive age reported anemia and among children 6-59 months of age around 54.2% of iron deficiency found in boys and 53.1% in girls. Over all 49.1% children were iron deficient.

 Iron deficiency anaemia affected 18.0% of non-pregnant women of reproductive age, compared to 21.2% in pregnant women.

WHY FOLIC ACID IS IMPORTANT BEFORE AND DURING PREGNANCY

When the baby is developing early during pregnancy, folic acid helps form the neural tube. Folic acid is very important because it can help prevent some major birth defects of the baby's braindefects (anencephaly) and spine defects (spina bifida).

If a woman consumes enough folic acid 400 micrograms mcg daily before and during early pregnancy, it can help prevent her baby from having a neural tube defect and its also protect from multiple pregnancy complications. Women can do this by taking a vitamin supplement containing the recommended amount of folic acid or eating enough food that is fortified with folic acid. Fortified foods include enriched breads, pastas, rice, and some breakfast cereals.