Birth Defects From Folic Acid Deficiency
September 11, 2009
A pregnant woman needs essential nutrients in order to give birth to a healthy child. Folic acid is one such nutrient that is essential for every woman during pregnancy.
Folic acid, also known as folate, folacin, pteroylglutamic acid and vitamin B9, is a form of vitamin B. This B vitamin is particularly recommended for pregnant women. Folic acid deficiency in mothers leads to various forms of birth defects in babies.
Folic acid consumption before pregnancy
Women should take folic acid not only during pregnancy, but to reduce the risk of birth defects, women should not suffer from any folic acid deficiency during the time of conception. Studies have suggested that folic acid intake during the early stage of pregnancy is not sufficient to prevent birth defects in children.
Most of the birth defects occur within the first 28 days of the fetus development. Presence of adequate amount of folic acid in the body prevents defects in the growing fetus at the earliest stage of pregnancy. A woman should start taking folic acid at least three months before conception.
Since pregnancies are not always planned, to reduce the risk of birth defects, women of childbearing age should ensure that they do not suffer from folic acid deficiency.
Folic acid deficiency and birth defects
Folic acid is essential for the manufacture of the genetic material of the body. Deficiency in folic acid therefore causes birth defects. Folic acid deficiency is one of the primary causes of spina bifida or neural tube birth defects in infants.
Spina bifida causes paralysis of the lower limbs, from the waist downwards. It can also cause lifelong spinal cord, bladder and bowel complications. Brain damage can also occur from spina bifida. Folic acid deficiency during pregnancy can also lead to premature births.
Natural sources of folic acid
Every woman of the childbearing age should consume 0.4 milligrams of folic acid every day. Whole grains, leafy green vegetables, nuts, legumes and several fruits are rich sources of folic acid. Folic acid rich fruits include bananas, oranges, papaya, pineapple, raspberries and strawberries.
Cauliflower, beetroot, okra, green pepper, peas, corn and mustard greens are also rich in folic acid. While a fair amount of folic acid is lost in cooking, folic acid supplements are recommended to prevent folic acid deficiency.
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