No Neural tube defects - If increasing intake of Folic Acid during and before pregnancy

Folic Acid is a B vitamin that is vital for the formation of Red Blood Cells. Folic Acid together with vitamin B₁₂ is essential for the development of Red Blood Cells. Reduction of Folic Acid can cause “Macrocytic Anemia.” In addition to Red Blood Cells formation, Folic Acid is essential for DNA formation. Folic Acid is a vital vitamin that can prevent birth conditions called Neural tube defects.

Sources of Folic Acid

Leafy green vegetables such as broccoli, Spinach, Salad green beans on legumes. Orange and other fruits, poultry, pork selfish. Folate is found in a wide variety of foods and Folic Acid is a water-soluble vitamin. It can be destroyed due to overcooking and steaming.

Adults and children usually get a sufficient amount of folate (200 micrograms) per day with a healthy balanced diet. But Pregnant women and lactating mothers need around 400 micrograms of folate per day. In this situation Pregnant mother and lactating mother’s need Folic Acid supplement 1mg per day’ It is important that all expecting mothers take Folic Acid supplement before they get pregnant. During the first three months of development of the Nervous System of the fetus. Spina bifida and anencephaly are Neural tube defects that can occur during the development of the spine and brain. Neural tube defects occur very early in pregnancy often before a woman knows that she is pregnant. They occur in about every 1000 pregnancies. Many babies bone with these anomalies have problems related to the bowels and bladder for a lifetime. Some babies with major degree anomalies die.

            Many studies have shown the Neural tube defects can be  prevented by increasing intake of Folic Acid during and before pregnancy. Folic Acid deficiency can result in symptoms of Anemia like weakness of the body, weight loss headache, heart palpitation.

            Folic Acid reduces the blood levels of Homocysteine amine acid in the blood that initiates blood vessels which is a risk factor for developing coronary heart disease. By this folate, may helps to reduce heart disease.

         Studies show the 0.4mg per day is sufficient for a pregnant mother but high-risk mothers like  mother’s with  past history of having babies with Neural tube defect, when the mother or her partner having Neural tube defect, mother or partner has a close relative who was born with a Neural tube defect?, Diabetic mothers and mothers with obesity may need a high dose of Folic Acid supplement as well.

Dr. Indika Ellawala

Chief Medical Officer of Health Ratmalana, Sri Lanka.