FOLIC ACID – AN OVERVIEW Folic Acid, also know as Vitamin B9,
assists in preventing certain birth defects of the spinal cord
and brain known as neural tube defects (NTDs). Without a
sufficient amount of Folic Acid the cells that form the baby’s
brain and spine become deficient resulting in spina bifida (open
spine) or anencephaly (undeveloped brain). There are over 4,000
births defects annually as a direct result of insufficient Folic
Acid in the Mother’s body. Folic Acid should be taken prior to
conception since these births defects begin in the first month
of pregnancy. Folic Acid also helps prevent other birth defects
such as cleft palate, low birth weight and helps in the
production of additional red blood cells needed to support the
growth of the fetus. Other studies have show that Folic Acid
helps in the prevention of heart disease, stroke and anemia. The
Center for Disease Control recommends that all women of
childbearing age consume 400 micrograms of Folic Acid daily and
that once pregnancy is confirmed increase to 800 micrograms
daily. The normal diet does not provide a sufficient amount of
Folic Acid so supplementation is required. Prenatal Blessings
provides prenatal diet and nutrition products especially
formulated to meet the increased nutritional needs of Moms2B
including their Oatmeal/Raisin Cookie fortified with Folic Acid.
Whitney Lasseter www.prenatalblessings.com Nutrition for Moms2B