Folic acid in pregnancy: what it is, benefits, dosages
Introduction
Are you pregnant for the first time or trying for a baby?
Undoubtedly, you have heard from friends who are already mothers or from your trusted midwife about the importance of folic acid during pregnancy.
This is a topic worth dwelling on.
So I created this content for you, to answer all your questions on the topic.
If you are looking for other practical advice for a healthy and conscious sweet wait, I invite you to discover, by clicking on the button at the end of the paragraph, the pre-birth video course “Nascere e Rinascere Madre”, designed and created for you by Doctor Maria Chiara Alvisi, the midwife of the Yule Center .
For scientific tips on how to prevent colic and reflux in newborns - yes, you can and should start doing it already during pregnancy - I'll wait for you on the Instagram profile @drsilva.com_official .
What is folic acid?
Before getting into the heart of the information on folic acid during pregnancy , let's see what is meant when it is mentioned.
“Folic acid” is another way of calling vitamin B9 .
It is a water-soluble vitamin that the human body is unable to accumulate.
In light of this, it is necessary to take it through food sources or by resorting to specific supplementation .
What is it for?
Folic acid is responsible for producing new cells.
It plays an essential role in the synthesis of DNA, proteins, and hemoglobin.
In the case of embryogenesis , it is essential for optimal cell differentiation and proliferation.
Food sources
Folic acid is present in several foods.
These include green leafy vegetables such as broccoli, asparagus and spinach.
It can also be found in eggs, dried fruit - especially almonds and walnuts - and, just to name a few of its many sources, in oranges, lemons, and kiwis.
Here are other sources of this amazing vitamin:
- Whole grains
- Legumes
- Milk
- Liver
In the video course on nutrition during pregnancy, curated by the Academy's nutritionist Dr. Federica Dell'Oro, you can find many other tips and different menus for a healthy and balanced diet during the sweet wait.
