Folate /Folic Acid

1. Folate/Folic Acid

2. Folate/Folic Acid Folic Acid is another term for Folate and refers to the form most commonly put into food supplements. Folate prevents Neural Tube Defects, which can be severe or even fatal for a developing fetus. Folate also helps protect you from many types of cancers and heart disease. May provide some protection from stroke Helps alleviate depression symptoms

3. Neural Tube Defects Folate Deficiency can result in neural tube defects in the developing fetus. Neural Tube Defects can result in Spina Bifida or anencephaly. Spina Bifida is an opening in the spinal column that exposes the spinal cord. It can range from mild, where the child may never notice it, or severe, where it can paralyze or severely limit movement of the legs. Anencephaly is where the skull and part of the brain fail to develop, leaving the brain exposed. It can be covered in skin or cause a complete lack of brain development. Almost all children born with anencephaly die within the first few days of life.

4. Important Sources of Folate Green, leafy vegetables Fruit and fruit juices Nuts, beans, and peas Poultry and meat, seafood Spinach, yeast, asparagus, brussels sprouts and rice are all GREAT sources of folate.

5. Recommended Levels of Folate Intake • 600mg for a pregnant female • This may be hard for most women to do through diet alone and so a prenatal supplement is recommended. • 400mg for Women of Childbearing Age • Any woman capable of getting pregnant should be consuming at least this much folate. Regular multivitamins and a healthy diet should be enough to sustain this level of folate.