The human body depends on vitamins as well as minerals for the smooth functioning of various functions and processes. This includes, among other things, folic acid. Pregnant women in particular have an increased need for folic acid. If the need for folic acid is not met during pregnancy, it can lead to various complaints that endanger mother and child.
What is folic acid?
Folic acid belongs to the B vitamin family and is water soluble. Sometimes folic acid is also referred to as vitamin B11, B9, or M. Because the organism cannot produce folic acid on its own, it relies on intake from food. On the one hand there are natural folates, on the other hand industrially produced folic acid. The need for folic acid cannot be generalized. For example, infants, children and babies need much less folic acid than adults. The need increases sharply with pregnancy. Folic acid is found in various foods. If the need for folic acid during pregnancy is not covered by food, it may be necessary to take specific supplements.
Why pregnant women need more folic acid
Pregnant women need much more folic acid than they did before conception. Throughout pregnancy, cell division by the growing child is greatly increased. After all, the body forms up to 100 million more cells. Accordingly, the folic acid requirement increases by about 50 percent. Folic acid supports the development of the child and the formation of the nervous system. Studies have shown that an increased intake of folic acid is already useful for women who wish to have children. Taking 600 micrograms of folic acid daily reduces the risk of malformations in the child by 50 to 70 percent. For such a result, it is advisable to take in significantly more folic acid as early as four weeks before the start of pregnancy. In addition, attention must be paid to an adequate folic acid balance, especially in the first third of pregnancy. Folic acid is found in larger quantities primarily in plant foods. Because the vitamin is sensitive to heat, vegetables should be prepared as gently as possible. For example, short cooking with little water is suitable for this.
Consequences of folic acid deficiency
Some children suffer from a neural tube defect. These are malformations in embryonic development that can occur in the spinal column and spinal cord, among other areas. This disease can be traced back to a folic acid deficiency. Because the neural tube is formed in the first third of pregnancy, sufficient folic acid intake is necessary. In addition, further malformations of the child due to a folic acid deficiency cannot be ruled out. Thus, a negligent intake of the vitamin initially endangers the unborn child in particular. In adults, a deficiency may cause anemia. Folic acid deficiencies are not uncommon even in western industrialized countries. The recommended intake values are often not reached. The risk of folic acid deficiency increases in particular with an unbalanced diet, alcohol abuse, the use of certain medications, and due to the treatment of cancer and epilepsy. High-risk groups should pay increased attention to their diet and, under certain circumstances, take specific supplements. A blood test provides information about a possible deficiency. After only two to three weeks, the plasma folic acid level in the blood drops due to a lack of folic acid intake. A folic acid deficiency reduces the level of homocysteine in the blood. Homocysteine is a protein building block. As soon as the homocysteine concentration in the blood rises, the risk of cardiovascular disease and vascular calcification also increases. As a result, there is a risk of heart attacks and strokes. However, a folic acid deficiency during pregnancy primarily affects the unborn child. The deficiency becomes noticeable, for example, through irritability, poor concentration, depressive moods, nausea, weight loss and diarrhea.
Treatment of folic acid deficiency
If a folic acid deficiency has been diagnosed, rapid action is required, especially if the patient is pregnant. Overall, many foods have increased levels of folic acid. However, in the case of a deficiency, the intake of the vitamin through food is no longer sufficient. For this reason, the treating physicians usually prescribe a preparation that is taken in addition.These are usually tablets containing two to five milligrams of folic acid. Already after a few days the value improves significantly and the health risk for the child decreases.
Prevention of folic acid deficiency
Folic acid deficiency should be prevented overall, because it will otherwise affect health. However, adequate intake of the vitamin is especially important during pregnancy. Because women sometimes find out about their pregnancy only after some time, it is advisable to take in more folic acid as a precaution if the desire to have children exists and contraception is suspended. Folic acid is found primarily in green vegetables, potatoes, tomatoes, whole grains, legumes, nuts and sprouts. Because the vitamin is sensitive to heat, gentle preparation or raw consumption is recommended. Pregnant women should consume 600 micrograms of folic acid daily. Adults consume an average of 200 to 300 micrograms of the vitamin daily. Because the difference often cannot be covered by a healthy diet alone, it makes sense to take additional supplements. Pregnant women should rely on consultation with their doctor to avoid negative effects on the child. Overall, the increased need for folic acid in pregnancy should not be underestimated. With natural folate, no health complaints due to a large dosage have been observed so far. Industrially produced folic acid, on the other hand, can mask symptoms of an existing B12 deficiency under certain circumstances. Accordingly, independent intake of preparations is not recommended.
