KEY OF HEALTHY & BALANCED LIFE  We Should Know the Impact of Multivitamins deficiencies.   Impack of Deficiences In Pakistan NATIONAL NUTRITIONAL SURVEY 2018 confirms:  Micronutrient Deficiencies are widespread in Pakistan. In Pakistan, Malnutrition is common among mothers, children, and teenagers. Pakistan now has a significant burden of o...

Summary: All You Need to Know About Folic Acid

Folic acid, a synthetic form of the B vitamin folate, plays a crucial role in the body's ability to generate new cells, especially for rapidly regenerating areas like skin, hair, and nails. It is commonly found in fortified foods such as rice, bread, pasta, and cereals, or taken as a dietary supplement to meet daily requirements.

Impact of Folic Acid Deficiency
Deficiency in folic acid can lead to anemia, with notable prevalence among women of reproductive age (43%) and children aged 6–59 months (49.1%). Iron-deficiency anemia is particularly common, affecting 18% of non-pregnant women and 21.2% of pregnant women.

Importance Before and During Pregnancy
Folic acid is vital during early pregnancy as it aids in forming the baby’s neural tube, which develops into the brain and spine. Consuming 400 micrograms daily before and during pregnancy can significantly reduce the risk of neural tube defects like spina bifida and anencephaly, while also protecting against other pregnancy complications. Women are encouraged to include fortified foods or supplements in their diet to ensure adequate folic acid intake.