Folic acid is a water-soluble vitamin of group B, vitamin B 9 . It plays an important role in DNA synthesis and, consequently, in the formation of new cells in the body, especially in the production of red blood cells and other plasma cells.
A deficiency of folic acid can lead to megaloblastic anemia, a disease characterized by the presence of red blood cells larger than normal and containing little hemoglobin.
In pregnancy, an insufficient amount of this vitamin can be the cause of severe malformations of the fetus, first of all spina bifida .
How to take folic acid and where it is
Folic acid is normally taken through nutrition and the Mediterranean diet guarantees a correct intake. Vitamin B 9 is found mainly in the following foods:
- Vegetables, especially spinach, asparagus and broccoli;
- Fruit, especially bananas, melons and citrus fruits;
- Whole grains;
- Legumes, in particular beans;
- Yeast;
- Fermented cheeses.
Let us now look in detail at the importance of taking folic acid during pregnancy.
Why folic acid is important in pregnancy
Folic acid in pregnancy, as we said, is essential. The daily requirement of vitamin B 9 depends on age and some particular conditions. Generally, a varied and balanced diet is sufficient to provide the body with all the necessary folic acid. In pregnancy, however, a balanced diet, although necessary, may not be enough and supplementation is therefore recommended.
During the gestational period, the need for vitamin B 9 at least doubles and a deficiency can cause serious damage to the fetus. For this reason, folic acid supplementation is prescribed as a precaution for pregnant women. Obviously, supplementation does not replace a proper diet, which, to be such, must remain rich in foods with high vitamin B 9 content.
The most delicate period for the development of the embryo is that which goes from the fourth to the eighth week of gestation . In general, however, in the first month of pregnancy the woman does not yet know how to wait for a child and, in some cases, even spends a few more weeks; for this reason, many gynecological patients recommend taking folic acid before pregnancy, ever since we start looking for it. This is a very simple form of prophylaxis which, however, presents an enormous benefit.
