Patient's question:
Experts, it is said that during the first three months of pregnancy, it is necessary to supplement folic acid. May I ask, through which specific channels can folic acid be supplemented?Doctor's answer:
Hello: Folic acid is a water-soluble B vitamin, abundant in green leafy vegetables, fruits, and animal livers. It participates in the entire process of human metabolism and is a necessary vitamin for synthesizing important substances like DNA in the human body. Its deficiency can not only lead to neural tube defects in fetuses but also increase the incidence of malformations in organs such as the eyes, lips, palate, gastrointestinal tract, cardiovascular system, kidneys, and bones.During the one month before pregnancy and the first three months after pregnancy, taking 0.4 milligrams of folic acid supplements daily can prevent most neural tube defects in fetuses. It is worth noting that women should take folic acid under the guidance of a doctor, and the following points should also be paid attention to:
1. Folic acid must be taken one month before pregnancy. The emphasis on starting before pregnancy is to maintain a certain level of folic acid in women's bodies, ensuring a better nutritional status for early embryonic development. Research shows that it takes about four weeks for women to correct a folic acid deficiency after taking supplements. During this period, sufficient folic acid is needed to meet the needs of nervous system development in the early stages of pregnancy. Moreover, it is essential to continue taking folic acid during the first three months of pregnancy for the best preventive effect.
2. Women in low-prevalence areas for neural tube defects should also supplement with folic acid. In China, the incidence of neural tube defects is higher in northern regions than in southern regions and higher in rural areas than in urban areas. Therefore, some people believe that women in low-prevalence areas may not need to take folic acid during pregnancy. However, this misconception could potentially become a hidden risk factor for the birth of children with neural tube defects.