Vitamin B9, protector of pregnancy

The terms folate and folic acid are often used synonymously to denote the B vitamins, vitamin B9.

The first substance is naturally found in green leafy vegetablescitrus fruits and beans, while other synthetic folate is present in dietary supplements and added to fortified foods, reports the United States National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus).

The vitamin B-9an essential ingredient in prenatal vitamins, it is an essential nutrient during early pregnancy to reduce the risk of the baby suffering from birth defects, according to the Mayo Clinic (Minnesota, United States).

Since it is Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) The Americans point out that congenital defects of the brain and spine (spina bifida and anencephaly) occur during the first weeks of pregnancy; often before the woman knows she is pregnant.

“By the time you realize you’re pregnant, it could be too late to prevent it birth defects. Furthermore, a high percentage of pregnancies, about half in the United States, are unplanned,” they add.

Folic acid and folate

For these reasons, “it is important that all women who can be pregnant “Take folic acid every day, even if you’re not planning to get pregnant in the near future,” according to the CDC.

According to this source, the body does not use folate with the same ease with which it uses folic acid, and it is also difficult to eat foods high in this vitamin every day, in sufficient quantities to prevent neural tube defects.

That’s why “women who might stay pregnant women should consume 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid, in addition, eat a variety of foods rich in natural folate,” they advise.

Folic acid is a common component multivitamin supplements in liquid or tablet form that can be swallowed or chewed, and fortified breakfast cereals, some of which can cover the daily requirement for this vitamin in one serving, according to the CDC.

To help you remember to take your vitamin, they suggest taking it at the same time every day, such as when you eat breakfast, get out of the shower or brush your hair, so you have a bottle of the vitamin handy in the bathroom or kitchen, according to this same source.

400 micrograms per day

For this organization, a woman who can stay pregnant (planned or not) you only need 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid a day, along with eating folate-rich foods, although your doctor may recommend taking a higher dose in certain cases, such as if you have had a previous pregnancy with a neural tube defect, according to the CDC -in.