January 1-7 marks World Folic Acid Awareness Week. Shedding light on the significance of folic acid (FA) in our lives, particularly for those with HG.
What do you know?
- Folic acid is the synthetic form of folate (vitamin B9).
- Enriched foods, such as cereals, incorporate folic acid.
- Most people do not get enough folate in their diet which increases health risks.
- Obtaining sufficient folate from food proves challenging, necessitating the use of a pill.
- Those who may become pregnant should take it daily.
- FA pills are critical during the first trimester to prevent defects in the baby’s brain and spine, and throughout pregnancy to reduce pregnancy complications.
- At least 600 mcg per day is required during pregnancy, but more may be helpful during HG.
- Most prenatal vitamins have FA, but the pills are easier to tolerate when sick.
- FA can be given by IV and may be needed when intake is limited for more than a few weeks.
- Those with the gene variants, like MTHFR, may need active or methylated folate. (Methylfolate)
- #WFAAW24
