Importance and strategies of folic acid supplementation during and before pregnancy

Folic acid, also known as pteroylglutamate, is a member of the vitamin B complex. It plays a vital role in the human body, especially during and before pregnancy. Folic acid is essential for the synthesis of DNA and RNA, cell division, and the synthesis of hemoglobin. In addition, folic acid is involved in the closure of the fetal neural tube, and therefore plays a key role in the development of the fetal brain and spinal cord.

Necessity of folic acid supplementation during and before pregnancy

Prevent neural tube defects: Folic acid deficiency may lead to neural tube defects in the fetus, such as spina bifida, anencephaly and other serious malformations. However, if you supplement with an appropriate amount of folic acid before and during pregnancy, you can effectively reduce these risks.

Promote fetal growth and development: Folic acid is essential for the normal growth and development of the fetus. Folic acid deficiency may lead to problems such as fetal growth retardation and low birth weight.

Prevent anemia: Folic acid helps the body produce red blood cells, so it plays an important role in preventing anemia in pregnant women and fetuses.

Boosts immunity: Folic acid contributes to the maintenance of normal functioning of the immune system, thereby helping to prevent infections.

How to effectively supplement folic acid

Dietary modification: Increasing folic acid intake through diet is an effective method. Foods rich in folic acid include green leafy vegetables, beans, orange fruits and whole grains. Pregnant women and women who are planning pregnancy should ensure that their diet contains enough folic acid.

Supplements: Doctors often recommend folic acid supplements for women who are unable to get enough folic acid through their diet. These supplements usually come in tablet or capsule form and contain a set amount of folic acid. However, the dosage and form of the supplement should be recommended by a doctor based on an individual's health status and needs.

Regular checks: Pregnant women and women who are planning to become pregnant should have regular blood tests to monitor their folate levels. This helps ensure they are getting enough folate and can adjust their supplement dosage accordingly.

Folic acid supplementation strategy

Folic acid supplementation during pregnancy: Pregnant women need to supplement an appropriate amount of folic acid during pregnancy to prevent birth defects such as neural tube defects in the fetus. According to the recommendations of the Chinese Nutrition Society, pregnant women need to supplement 0.4 mg of folic acid every day in the early stage of pregnancy (1-3 months), and 0.4-0.8 mg of folic acid every day in the second and third trimesters. Pregnant women can supplement folic acid by taking folic acid tablets orally or eating more foods rich in folic acid.

Pay attention to the time of supplementation: Pregnant women need to pay attention to the time when supplementing folic acid. Generally speaking, the time of folic acid supplementation should start from 3 months before pregnancy and continue until 3 months after pregnancy. This can ensure that pregnant women and fetuses get enough folic acid during the critical period.

Avoid excessive supplementation: Although folic acid supplementation is beneficial to pregnant women and fetuses, excessive supplementation may also have negative effects on the body. Therefore, pregnant women should follow the doctor's advice when supplementing folic acid and supplement in moderation.

Pay attention to individual differences: Each pregnant woman has different individual conditions, and there are also differences in the absorption and utilization of folic acid. Therefore, pregnant women should adjust their folic acid supplements according to their actual conditions to ensure the health of mother and baby.

Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Pregnant women should maintain a healthy lifestyle during and before pregnancy, such as having a regular schedule, exercising moderately, and avoiding bad habits such as smoking and drinking, which will help improve the body's absorption and utilization of folic acid.

Effective folic acid supplementation during and before pregnancy is crucial to the health of pregnant women and fetuses. Pregnant women can effectively supplement folic acid, prevent birth defects such as neural tube defects, reduce the risk of maternal illness, and ensure the health of mothers and babies through strategies such as reasonable diet, regular prenatal checkups, attention to supplementation time, avoid excessive supplementation, pay attention to individual differences, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and seek professional help. (Li Mingchao)