Women May Want To Consider Taking Folic Acid Supplements Before Getting Pregnant
Vitamins and minerals are, respectively, organic and inorganic substances that can be particularly beneficial to your health. Some offer a wide variety of potential advantages to your well-being, while others have more specific applications. One of these vitamins, folic acid, has been cited as particularly helpful to women by reputable health organizations including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Anyone can benefit from taking regular doses of folic acid, especially women. This B vitamin, which is involved in the creation of new cells within the body, is of great use to women who are planning to become pregnant, according to the CDC.
Women are advised to begin taking 400 micrograms of folic acid each day at least a month before becoming pregnant. This vitamin should continue to be part of a woman's health regimen for the entire duration of her pregnancy.
In addition to its role in making new cells, folic acid has a specific role in the prenatal health of women. It is capable of reducing the likelihood of severe birth defects in their newborn children, including spina bifida, which damages the spinal cord and nerves, and anencephaly, in which infants are born without parts of the brain and skull, usually resulting in a quick death.
Fortunately, the proper daily amount of folic acid can be obtained fairly easily. Supplements are available over-the-counter, and many breakfast cereals, such as Chex, Multi-Grain Cheerios, Raisin Bran, Special K and even some sugar cereals like Cap'n Crunch include 100 percent of this vitamin's daily value.
Since folic acid is easy to find and its benefits are significant, it might be a good idea to start getting your daily value of it sooner rather than later, especially if you're looking to have a baby soon.
What vitamins do you take on a regular basis?
