Folic Acid During Pregnancy What Makes This Nutrient Essential
Folate or its synthetically produced form Folic Acid is one of the most important nutrients to be consumed during pregnancy. Folic acid is required for DNA synthesis, RNA synthesis, and prevention of Neural Tube Defects in the baby. As the neural tube of the baby forms early in the pregnancy, women of childbearing age who are planning for a baby must not be folate deficient making supplementation of folic acid in early pregnancy essential. Neural Tube Defects such as Spina Bifida and Anencephaly are major birth defects, and supplementing with folic acid during pregnancy is known to be beneficial in protecting against them.
If you are trying for a baby, your doctor may recommend starting folic acid supplements so that your folic acid levels are adequate when you get pregnant. Supplementation with 0.5 mg may be recommended for women of childbearing age, whereas those who are pregnant may be recommended to have 5 mg of Folic acid. However, this would be decided by your doctor, as they would prescribe the required dosage after considering many aspects of your health, medical history, and nutritional intake.
Always consume supplements as prescribed and never more than the recommended amount, as it can cause harm to your or your baby. Always consult your doctor if you have any queries related to folic acid supplementation.
L-Methylfolate or Folic Acid – Which is better?
A part of the Indian population has an MTHFR gene mutation, which makes it difficult to absorb folic acid. L-Methylfolate is 7 times more bioavailable form of folic acid, that is absorbed even by people with an MTHFR gene mutation. This makes L-Methylfolate easily absorbable & more bioavailable version of folic acid. Prenatal tablets such as Trimacare contain L-Methylfolate which is easily absorbable even by people who have an MTHFR gene mutation making it a preferable form of folic acid for pregnant women.
Do Prenatal Tablets Contain Folate?
Iron, Folate, and Calcium as per the IFC Model along with Multi Micronutrients as per the MMN Model are important during pregnancy. As iron, folate, and calcium are necessary for the growth and development of the baby, as well as the health of the mother, prenatal tablets contain these nutrients. It is important to ensure that the folic acid in prenatal supplements is the bioavailable & absorbable form of folate, such as L-Methylfolate. Trimacare contains L-Methylfolate in quantities as required by pregnant ladies & growing babies. Trimacare also contains 20+ essential pregnancy nutrients in a unique trimester-wise course to meet maternal & foetal demands that are unique for each trimester.
Along with consuming multivitamin with folic acid as recommended by your doctor, you must ensure that your diet is rich in nutrients too. Getting a good amount of macronutrients and micronutrients from your diet is important. Having a good diet and premium quality prenatal supplements can support a healthy pregnancy so that the pregnant mother & baby can meet their growing nutritional needs. A healthy mother can give birth to a healthy baby, hence pregnant mothers must prioritize their health so that their baby can grow and develop healthily.