November 5, 2009
Pregnancy and folic acid (2)
Folic acid is found in spinach and has a soluble substance of B-complex vitamin. Folic acid is contained in green and yellow vegetables, fruits, and chicken and cow liver.
A Health and nutrition survey, in 2004, reports that Japanese women from 15 to 49 years old take an average of 258µg of folic acid per day, which is much less than the recommended dosage of 400µg by the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry. It is very difficult for women to acquire this amount of folic acid simply through daily meals.
Women who are pregnant need to be watchful of their folic acid intake. Because the central nervous system of the baby starts growing 7 weeks after pregnancy it is imperative for women to start taking enough folic acid more than one month before pregnancy and to keep taking it until 3 months after pregnancy. A well-rounded pregnancy plan would surely include eating well-balanced foods as well as incorporating enough folic acid through supplements and so on.
Some medical magazines also reported that folic acid is effective in preventing a decrease of cognitive ability, heart disease, stroke and cancer. The elderly have difficulties absorbing this vitamin and it is recommended that they take supplements. Folic acid is a key part of nutritionally healthy life for both men and women.
A Health and nutrition survey, in 2004, reports that Japanese women from 15 to 49 years old take an average of 258µg of folic acid per day, which is much less than the recommended dosage of 400µg by the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry. It is very difficult for women to acquire this amount of folic acid simply through daily meals.
Women who are pregnant need to be watchful of their folic acid intake. Because the central nervous system of the baby starts growing 7 weeks after pregnancy it is imperative for women to start taking enough folic acid more than one month before pregnancy and to keep taking it until 3 months after pregnancy. A well-rounded pregnancy plan would surely include eating well-balanced foods as well as incorporating enough folic acid through supplements and so on.
Some medical magazines also reported that folic acid is effective in preventing a decrease of cognitive ability, heart disease, stroke and cancer. The elderly have difficulties absorbing this vitamin and it is recommended that they take supplements. Folic acid is a key part of nutritionally healthy life for both men and women.
