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Healthy Baby Updates:
Folate: Food For the Fetus….. and for the family!
Each year in the U.S. approximately 3-4% of births have a major birth defect and, in fact, is the leading cause of infant deaths! Many birth defect causes are unknown, but folic acid deficiency is a known cause. In fact, neural tube defects are among the few birth defects for which primary prevention is possible.
Taking as little as 400 micrograms of folic acid daily can significantly
reduce birth defects such as neural tube defects (spina bifida,
encephalocele, and anencephaly), cleft palate and lip, and certain
congenital heart defects.
Recent studies are also showing benefits in reducing breast, pancreatic, colon, and rectal cancers with high folate dietary intake and/or folic acid supplementation. Folic acid is also useful in lowering homocystiene blood levels. High homocystiene levels is one of the cardiovascular disease risk factors.
Most recently, a study out of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, has shown for the first time that having too little folic acid causes impaired development of areas of the brain important for memory and thinking.
Good folic acid levels need to be in place when a woman gets pregnant. Since 50% of pregnancies are unplanned, folic acid supplements need to be taken as a daily routine. This is especially true in teenagers who have a higher unplanned pregnancy rate and are more likely to delay prenatal visits.
Research seems to be putting folic acid in the super drug category. Folate is certainly food for the fetus but appears to be food for the whole family.
LeDon Langston, M.D.
OB/Gyn Consultant
Mississippi State Dept. of Health
Past Chairman MS Folic Acid Council
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