Folic Acid helps life flourish
Pregnancy causes immense physiological and chemical transformations in the mother’s body. These changes play a vital role in determining the health of both the mother and child. An important precaution required during pregnancy to prevent serious birth defects in the child is the consumption of substantial amounts of Folic acid (vitamin B9).
Folic acid (folate), is a B vitamin (B9) found mostly in leafy green vegetables and enriched grains. Daily consumption of 400 micrograms (0.4 milligrams) of B9 reduces the risk of babies being born with a neural tube defect (incomplete brain and spinal cord development) by up to 70%.
Even though only 50% of total pregnancies are considered to be planned, any woman trying to conceive should ensure she is receiving a good dose of folic acid. Vitamin B9 benefits human health in five essential ways:
1. Prevents serious birth defects in the fetus and new-born such as neural tube disorders and Spina Bifida.
2. Vitamin B9 helps in producing healthy red blood cells and shields the fetus and pregnant woman from anemia; especially Megaloblastic Anemia.
3. Folic acid helps in digestion and strengthening the nervous system, thus improving mental and emotional health. Vitamin B9 health benefits include its effectiveness in overcoming depression and anxiety.
4. Vitamin B9 is also important because it is a natural provider of strong immune power and enhances the body’s energy reservoir.
5. Vitamin B9, Folic acid lowers the risk of serious diseases like heart disease, stroke (reduces the production of homocysteine; the amino acid which is responsible for these diseases), ulcerative colitis, and lung cancer.
Here is a quick index to determine how much Vitamin B9 you should consume:
|
Age
|
Male (mg/day)
|
Female (mg/day)
|
|
0-6 months
|
65 (AI)
|
65 (AI)
|
|
7-12 months
|
80 (AI)
|
80 (AI)
|
|
1-3 years
|
150
|
150
|
|
4-8 years
|
200
|
200
|
|
9-13 years
|
300
|
300
|
|
14-18 years
|
400
|
400
|
|
19 years and above
|
400
|
400
|
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