The efficacy and role of folic acid tablets

Most pregnant women will experience some abnormal conditions in their bodies during pregnancy, such as anemia and low progesterone. Women must supplement their body's vitamins when they are pregnant. Folic acid, as a vitamin complex, is often taken by pregnant women. Folic acid is mainly developed for pregnant women, and it has a certain alleviating effect on many diseases in pregnant women. What are the effects and functions of folic acid tablets?

1. The role of folic acid

1. Prevent anemia in pregnant women: The body of a pregnant woman needs folic acid to produce normal red blood cells. The survey shows that the prevalence of anemia among Chinese women of childbearing age is 20.6%. Insufficient folic acid intake may also cause anemia in pregnant women.

2. Prevent congenital malformations in babies: Reduce the risk of birth defects in babies. Taking folic acid tablets can prevent birth defects such as congenital heart disease in the fetus.

3. Prevent neural tube defects: Neural tube defects are common congenital malformations in newborns in China. If women take the recommended daily dose of folic acid at least one month before conception and during the first three months of pregnancy, they can reduce the risk of neural tube defects in their baby by 50%-70%.

4. Promote placental development: It affects the basic structure of DNA and cells. Therefore, getting enough folic acid is particularly important for the rapidly growing placenta and baby.

5. Preventing preeclampsia in pregnant women: Taking multivitamins containing folic acid can reduce the risk of preeclampsia in pregnant women.

Second, the side effects of folic acid

Generally speaking, folic acid has no side effects, but it can cause side effects if taken in excess. Folic acid is a water-soluble vitamin and generally will not cause poisoning even if it exceeds the minimum requirement for adults by 20 times. Any excess folic acid is excreted in the urine. However, folic acid can be toxic to humans if taken in large doses. At present, women before and during pregnancy generally only need to take 400 micrograms per day. The specific dosage should be based on the instructions of various folic acid tablets.

Long-term and excessive use of folic acid may cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as anorexia, nausea, abdominal distension, and yellow urine. Oral folic acid can quickly improve megaloblastic anemia, but it cannot prevent the progression of neurological damage caused by vitamin deficiency. If folic acid is still taken in large doses, the vitamin content in the serum can be further reduced, which will cause the neurological damage to develop in an irreversible direction.