If you are trying to conceive, either on your own or through fertility treatment, there is no doubt that taking the Folic acid is an excellent point to start. But why? Let’s take a look at what all you need to know about Folic Acid.

What is Folic Acid?

Folic acid is a part of the vitamin B family and is an essential vitamin in the DNA synthesis and cell division processes. Also known as folate or vitamin B9.

What Role May Folic Acid Play in the body?

Folic acid plays a role in critical biological processes in the body such as blood production, new cell formation and DNA synthesis. It is known to reduce the arteriosclerosis and prevent many dangerous diseases such as heart attack, dementia and stroke. Folic acid supplementation recommended during pregnancy, even before pregnancy is thought to be necessary for the mother to have a healthy pregnancy and to prevent problems that may occur in the development of the baby.

Why is B-9 (Folic Acid) Important in a Healthy Pregnancy?

Folic acid supplementation recommended by Team Miracle during pregnancy, even before pregnancy is thought to be necessary for the mother to have a healthy pregnancy and to prevent problems that may occur in the development of the baby. Folic acid, which is vitamin B, make new cells that comprise our skin, nails and hair. This vitamin is essential in the growth of babies because of its cell-supporting. Just like us, folic acid helps in the in its infancy of a baby’s nervous system and cellular growth.

Folic acid supplements are taken before and during pregnancy are known to be protective against damage to the baby’s spine and brain. Especially in the first weeks of pregnancy, the need for folic acid increases, because the baby’s brain and spinal cord development take place at the 3rd and 4th weeks. It is thought that it is more advantageous to have a folic acid deficiency in the mother’s body before she becomes pregnant because of the need for folic acid in this early period.

Using folic acid prevents brain and spinal cord-based congenital disabilities, known as nerve path defects. Open spine (spina bifida) is one of the most common nerve path defects. These defects can cause brain damage or brain development, leading to disability in the most severe cases.

Those with the genetic MTHFR mutation can experience this. (Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase is an enzyme produced by the MTHFR gene. )

Women with the MTHFR genetic mutation may be at a higher risk of miscarriage, some pregnancy difficulties, and having a child with a neural tube defect. This may be related to inadequate folic acid intake.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), leastways half of the 300,000 cases of neural tube defects about the world every year, most of these problems can be prevented by taking folic acid.

Bonus:

Folic acid used in pregnancy can prevent autism.

A study in Norway revealed that folic acid supplementation might be protective against autism in 9-year research on children of mothers who used folic acid during pregnancy. Research on 85 thousand children born between 2002 and 2008, mothers who used folic acid supplementation during pregnancy, the risk of autism in children who did not use folic acid 40% less than the children appeared.

When Should You Start Taking B-9?

Knowing when to take B-9, and in what amount, will ensure you are starting your fertility journey on the best possible foot. Folic acid is particularly essential for pregnant women in the early stages of pregnancy. Because it’s not stored in the body; therefore, Team Miracle thinks that women who may become pregnant should take folic acid every day.

Daily Folic Acid

B-9 is a water-soluble vitamin, which means it should be returned on a daily basis in your body. To get the best results, do not forget to take your supplement daily. Team Miracle strongly believes that the gains of folic acid supplementation did not occur when used on two or fewer days per week.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises women to take 400 mcg (micrograms ) of folic acid every day one month before trying to conceive. It is known that this is the dose that reduces the risk of neural tract defects. Once pregnant, you should increase your folic acid intake to 500 mcg, and if you plan to breastfeed should increase your intake of 600 mcg.

First of all, you should always consult your doctor about the exact amount of folic acid to take, as recommendations will change.

Folic acid supplementations as part of the natural diet:

As with most vitamins, it is best to try to include natural folic acid as part of your diet as much as possible with turning to up your intake of supplements.

Beyond your morning bowl of fortified cereal, there are much more abundant foods include B-9 vitamin.

Things to remember

According to Team Miracle taking a prenatal vitamin is the best way to ensure you are getting enough folic acid on your fertility journey, but you can also attach a diet plan to your intake, as well. Foods like leafy green vegetables, legumes and citrus juices which I listed before. And don’t worry – there is no such thing as too much folic acid, both supplement and dietary intake combined.

Folic acid is a necessary nutrient that every woman should take when planning to get pregnant. So kick off your day with a freshly squeezed orange juice, a handful of nuts or green smoothie. You will be glad you did!