Pregnancy is an exciting experience for new mothers. And after the antenatal care has been completed with a medical facility or hospital, the first thing that every mother will take home that day is “folic acid”
- Is folic and folate the same?
We may hear both the words “Folic” and “folateWhich makes many people wonder how the two nutrients are different or the same name?
The answer in this matter is folic acid (folic acid) andFolate (Folate) It’s the same vitamin that is “Vitamin B9” that can dissolve in water But the difference is “folic acid” is the name for vitamin B 9 that is derived from the synthesis part “folate” is the name given to vitamin B9 naturally obtained from food.
A nutrient called folate can be found in fresh green leafy vegetables, whether
- kale, cabbage, cauliflower
- Spinach, broccoli, green peas, asparagus
- Yeast, lentils, peanuts, oranges, lemons, tomatoes, avocados
- sunflower seeds
- Whole grains such as brown rice, millet, but meat is low in folate.
- Why is “folic acid” and “folate” important for pregnant women?
Office of Reproductive Health Department of Health The Ministry of Public Health has madePolicy and Strategy Evaluation Plan National Reproductive Health Development, No. 2 (2017 – 2026) on the promotion of birth and growth with quality In which one of them encourages pregnant women to consume folic acid (Folic Acid) because folic will create red blood cells for the growth of the unborn child and prepare a reserve of blood in case of birth.
Most importantly, “Folic”will help rebuild the tissues of the unborn child. create brain neurons Helps reduce congenital disabilities It also helps in the production of mother’s milk after giving birth. This is an essential nutrient that plays an important role in cell growth in the body.
All women who are pregnantFolic acid/vitamin B9 supplementation should be taken at 400 micrograms daily for at least 1-3 months before conception and continuing throughout the first trimester. This will reduce the incidence of neural tube abnormalities by 50-70% and also reduce the incidence of cleft lip and cleft palate. Including some heart abnormalities in the baby and preventing anemia from folic acid deficiency in the mother as well.
Even so, “folate” and the necessity of life at different ages are:
- Young women folic helps to build red blood cells. Help replace blood loss each month Helps to nourish skin and health, slows down the graying of hair when taken together with PABA and B vitamins, and has also been found to lower blood pressure in women as well.
- folate in infants Help build the growth of the body and brain. It is an important factor in the creation of nucleic acids. Which is necessary for the process of growing the body. And create all cells for the body properly and appropriately, build immunity to diseases in the thymus gland for newborns and young children
- in all ages Folate helps the functioning of various systems in the body. helps the body use sugar and amino acids through cellular pathways to prevent diabetes
Folate is a vitamin that is needed by the body at all ages. starting before birth until all ages
- Advice on “folate”
In addition, the Department of Health Ministry of Public Health also advises pregnant women about consuming folate-containing foods, including
1. Eat Foods Rich in Folate Which is abundant in vegetables and fruits such as kale, cabbage, cauliflower, spinach, radish, broccoli, lettuce, celery, gourd, tomatoes, chives, cucumbers, asparagus, long beans, citrus fruits, green grapes, strawberries. Pineapples, guava, ripe papaya, dried beans such as peanuts, kidney beans, soybeans and folate are also abundant in chicken liver, beef liver, pork liver.
2. You should eat 6 scoops of vegetables per day and 3-5 portions of fruits per day.
3. Should eat fresh vegetables and fruits because folate can be destroyed by heat, such as cooking food with heat for a long time or reheating food.
4. Using certain drugs for a long time May have an effect on folate levels in the body, such as medications for epilepsy, malaria medications And birth control pills 5. Should avoid drinking alcohol. because alcohol has a negative effect on absorption
source : Association of Women Physicians of Thailand under the Royal Patronage of Her Majesty the Queen
“Folic acid…why is it necessary for expectant mothers?” Phayathai Hospital
Policy and Strategy Evaluation Plan National Reproductive Health Development, No. 2 (2017 – 2026)