If you are expecting a baby, or even trying to conceive, you need to know a lot about folic acid. This is something that we can get from foods that we eat, but many are not getting enough. Pregnant women who don’t get enough of this each day are running a higher risk of having a baby with birth defects. The best possible source for this is in the foods we eat, but for those who are not getting enough, a supplement is the next best thing.
Many doctors will advise a woman to watch her intake of folic acid long before she gets pregnant. Any couple thinking it is time to start trying for a baby should think about things like nutrition and vitamins. Having the body in good shape before trying always helps, and making sure levels of important things like folic acid are where they should be is essential. If your levels are good before you conceive, your baby was protected in this manner from day one. If you don’t worry about it until you are sure you have conceived, your body will have to play catch up, and damage may have already occurred.
Doctors will sometimes recommend prenatal vitamins to women who are seeking to become pregnant due to the amount of folic acid in the vitamins themselves. Food does not always provide adequate amounts of vitamins and minerals, especially for mothers-to-be. Your doctor can decide if taking prenatal vitamins is necessary for a healthy pregnancy and delivery. Unless you are knowledgeable about vitamins and nutrition, follow your doctor’s advice.
Folic acid in supplement form is not as good as getting in naturally, but its better than not getting it at all. Spend a few extra dollars to get a quality supplement if your doctor has recommended you take it above and beyond what you are already doing. Follow folic acid dosages carefully though, as taking too much can be just as bad as not taking enough. Your body will only use what it needs each day, and the rest will be removed from the body by the liver. If you are taking too much each day, the liver must work overtime, and in the long run, it will wear out much more quickly. Take it, just be sure you stay within the recommended amounts.
Be sure to check with your doctor about vitamins and mineral supplements before taking any.
