Patient's question:
What are the benefits of folic acid? Is it necessary to take folic acid during pregnancy?Doctor's answer:
Before trying to conceive, expectant parents should not only quit smoking and drinking but also maintain a positive mood. Women who are planning to become pregnant should start taking 400 μg of folic acid daily before conception. U.S. researchers have found that if women begin supplementing with folic acid in the early stages of pregnancy, it can reduce the risk of their future babies being born with cleft lips. Additionally, for expectant mothers during pregnancy, it is important to take vitamins correctly. A multivitamin (rich in vitamins A, B6, B12, C, and folic acid) and a comprehensive mineral supplement (containing 1000 mg of calcium and 500 mg of magnesium) are also very important for preventing brain and neural defects in babies.