Articles | Folic Acid & pregnancy
© 2007 Dr. Len Kliman 
Taking a folic acid supplement before you conceive
and for the first three months of pregnancy can reduce your chances of having
a baby with a neural tube defect such as spina bifida.
Spina bifida is a serious abnormality of the spinal cord and the bones,
muscles and skin covering it. Other neural tube defects affect the development
of the brain as well as the spinal cord. This can cause a wide range of
disabilities.
Folic acid is a water soluble B-group vitamin. The vitamin is known as
folate when it is found naturally in food and folic acid in tablet
form. It can be found naturally in most green leafy vegetables (asparagus,
brussel sprouts, broccoli, spinach), wholegrain breads and cereals and some
fruits (oranges, bananas, strawberries). Folate is vulnerable to heat and
dissolves in water so cooking can reduce the levels of folate in foods.
Prolonged storage of certain foods is also thought to reduce their folate
levels. Therefore most women do not get enough folate from diet alone.
Women planning on getting pregnant need an additional 500mcgms/day via a
supplement. They should also ensure their diet includes foods rich in natural
folate as well as choosing foods that have been fortified with folate such as
certain breads, breakfast cereals and fruit juices.
Folic acid tablets are available from the pharmacy, supermarkets and
health food stores. Most pregnancy multivitamins such as Elevit or
Blackmores Gold contain folic acid in combination with other vitamins and
minerals.
It is not possible to consume "Too much" folate - it is the same as taking
any other water soluble vitamin supplement.
Some women are at greater risk of having a baby with a neural tube defect.
It is important to discuss with your doctor if you have had a previous child
with a neural tube defect, you or a close relative have a neural tube defect
or you are taking medication for epilepsy as some medications affect the
absorption of folate and higher doses may be required.
