Folic acid plays a crucial role during the pre-pregnancy and pregnancy periods. It is a B vitamin, named after its initial extraction from spinach leaves since its discovery in the 1940s. Folic acid not only contains the three components of pteridine, para-aminobenzoic acid, and glutamic acid but also has an indispensable function in promoting cell growth and reproduction, which is particularly essential for the healthy development of the fetus.
For expectant mothers, supplementing with folic acid is an effective measure to prevent fetal neural tube defects and reduce the risk of birth defects. If a pregnant woman is deficient in folic acid, it may lead to low birth weight, cleft lip, heart problems, and more. Therefore, it is recommended that women planning to become pregnant begin taking a daily supplement of 400 micrograms of folic acid at least three months before conception, and this habit should continue through the end of the breastfeeding period. Even if supplementation is not consistent throughout pregnancy, folic acid intake during early pregnancy is extremely important.
A lack of folic acid during pregnancy is not only associated with fetal neural tube malformations but may also lead to miscarriage, premature birth, and low birth weight in infants. Although foods such as leafy greens, animal liver, egg yolks, and legumes are natural sources of folic acid, a significant amount of folic acid is lost during cooking. Therefore, additional folic acid supplementation becomes necessary, especially emphasized during the pre-pregnancy and early pregnancy stages, to achieve the best preventive effects. It is worth noting that folic acid supplementation should be done in moderation; excessive intake may lead to zinc deficiency or other adverse reactions, and pregnant women with specific medical conditions should follow their doctor’s guidance for supplementation.
Foods rich in folic acid are widely present in daily diets, including various green vegetables (such as spinach and lettuce), fresh fruits (oranges and strawberries), animal meats and eggs, legumes, nuts, whole grain products, and certain plant oils (such as walnut oil). By maintaining a balanced diet and supplementing with necessary folic acid, one can effectively meet nutritional needs during pregnancy, supporting the health of both mother and baby.
