Are you pregnant? If so, what you eat and the supplements you take at this time of your life are especially important to fetal development. One of the nutrients that have been found to aid in this development is folic acid, also known as B9 or folate. Folic acid is the synthetic version of folate. The following information elaborates on the benefits of this B vitamin, especially during pregnancy.
How Does Folate or Folic Acid Help Pregnant Women?
Research shows that there is a strong connection between expecting women and folate when it comes to birth defects. Scientists have discovered that women who lack folic acid or folate while expecting are more likely to give birth to children with a craniofacial anomaly, such a cleft lip or cleft palate. While, studies have not definitively proven this to be the case, the evidence is still strong enough to recommend folic acid supplementation. Women who are pregnant should make sure they are getting enough folate before, during, and after pregnancy.
How Can You Add Folic Acid or Folate to Your Diet?
You can get folic acid in one of various ways when eating. For example, a large number of foods contain the nutrients. These foods include fortified grains, such as cereal, pasta, and bread, and leafy greens and broccoli. Peanuts and beans also contain the B vitamin. If you need to supplement, you can also take folic acid in a soft gel for easier digestion and dispersal. Folate or folic acid is good for a developing fetus, as it is for a woman’s dental health. Pregnant women who take about 400 micrograms of the B vitamin each day can reduce birth defects by up to 70%. Adding extra folate to the diet also prevents gum disease. By adding the supplement, you can reduce anaerobic bacteria and plaque – the two main causes of gum disease. That is why we highly recommend folate and folic acid to pregnant women and all our dental patients. Get a better view of nutrition by visiting our office. Give us a call to arrange an appointment and consultation now.
