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Every woman trying to conceive knows how important a role folic acid plays in pregnancy. Did you know, however, that problems with the absorption of folic acid may affect up to 50 percent? women? [1] Find out how to get the right amount for yourself and your child.
What is folic acid?
If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant in the near future, you probably already know how important it is to take folic acid. Folic acid, also known as vitamin B9, B11, folate and folate, is an extremely important ingredient that plays a role in many metabolic processes in our body and therefore must be supplied in appropriate amounts with the diet.
Although the terms folate and folic acid are often used interchangeably, folate is a water-soluble vitamin B9 that is naturally found in foods such as yeast, dairy products, green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, and legumes. Folic acid is a synthetic form of folate that is commonly used in dietary supplements and foods fortified with folic acid. [2]
It is worth knowing that a properly balanced diet should provide the body with all the necessary nutrients. However, due to the low stability of folic acid (losses during cooking and baking) and factors limiting its absorption (e.g. coffee consumption), deficiencies of this vitamin in women’s diets are observed. The need for folic acid depends on age and physiological condition. Increased is, among others in women planning pregnancy, pregnant and breastfeeding women for whom supplementation is recommended. [3]
What is the role of vitamin B9 in the body?
Folic acid is essential for the proper functioning of the body’s cells, mainly the hematopoietic and nervous systems. Its activity is mainly related to the influence on the metabolism of DNA, RNA and proteins. Folic acid is involved in the process of cell division, helps in the proper production of red blood cells and in maintaining the proper metabolism of homocysteine. In addition, it supports the proper functioning of the immune system. It is crucial during periods of rapid growth such as pregnancy and the development of the fetus.
Why is folate supplementation recommended especially before and during pregnancy?
Getting enough folic acid is important for everyone, but it is especially important for women planning pregnancy, pregnant women and breastfeeding women. The appropriate level of this vitamin is especially important in the first weeks of pregnancy, when the process of shaping the baby’s organs takes place.
Low maternal folate levels are a risk factor for the development of neural tube defects in the developing fetus. [4] Neural glands are the nucleus of the nervous system and develop very early, in the first 28 days of pregnancy – this is when the most important elements of the baby’s central nervous system – the brain and spinal cord – begin to form. It is therefore a particularly important period in the development of the fetus. At this time, often a woman is not yet aware that a new life is developing under her heart.
Supplemental folate intake increases maternal folate levels. The justification for the use of a complex source of folate in order to prevent neural tube defects in all women planning pregnancy and pregnancy is confirmed by the opinion of the team of experts in the field of gynecology. [5] According to the recommendations of specialists, every expectant mother, as well as all women of childbearing age who can potentially become pregnant, should additionally take an appropriate amount of folate. As you can read in the 2020 recommendations of the Polish Society of Gynecologists and Obstetricians on supplementation in pregnant women:
“According to the current knowledge, it is recommended for all women of reproductive age to use folic acid at a dose of 0,4 mg / d in the form of supplements, as a supplement to the natural diet rich in folates” [6]
What is the importance of the bioavailability of folic acid?
Unfortunately, it may happen that a pregnant woman or a woman planning pregnancy will not be able to absorb the appropriate amount of folic acid in its traditional form. A scientific study conducted in Poland confirmed that this problem may affect even every second woman. [1]
This defect is genetic and is caused by a mutation in the MTHFR gene. The MTHFR enzyme (methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase) plays a key role in the transformation of folic acid – if its activity is reduced, the activity of converting folic acid into its active form, ready for use by the body, is reduced. [1]
How to get the child the right amount of folic acid?
The solution may be to use a product containing a complex source of folates, i.e. folic acid, and an active, ready-to-absorb, fourth-generation form of folate. 6th generation folate ((5S) -XNUMX-methyltetrahydrofolic acid glucosamine salt) is characterized by better solubility and greater bioavailability compared to other available folates.
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