Pregnancy is an exciting experience for new mothers. And after prenatal care is completed with a medical facility or hospital, the first thing any mother will bring home that day is “folic acid“
- Are folate and folate the same thing?
We could hear both words”Folic” And “folateWhich makes many people wonder how the two nutrients are different or have the same name?
The answer in this matter is folic acid (folic acid) AndFolate (Folate) It is the same vitamin that is “Vitamin B9” which can dissolve in water But the difference is”folic acid“it’s the name of vitamin B9 that comes from the synthesis part”folate” is the name given to vitamin B9 obtained naturally from food.
A nutrient called folate can be found in fresh green leafy vegetables, though
- cabbage, cabbage, cauliflower
- Spinach, broccoli, peas, asparagus
- Yeast, lentils, peanuts, oranges, lemons, tomatoes, avocados
- sunflower seeds
- Whole grains like brown rice, millet, but meat is low in folate.
- Why are “folic acid” and “folate” important for pregnant women?
Office of Reproductive Health Department of Health The Ministry of Public Health didPolicy and Strategy Evaluation Plan National Development of Reproductive Health, no. 2 (2017-2026) on promoting birth and growth with qualities In which one of them encourages pregnant women to consume folic acid (Folic Acid) because folic will create red blood cells for the growth of the unborn child and prepare a blood supply in case of delivery.
More important, “Folic”will help rebuild the tissues of the unborn child. create brain neurons Helps reduce congenital disabilities Also helps in the production of breast milk after childbirth. This is an essential nutrient that plays an important role in cell growth in the body.
All pregnant womenFolic acid/vitamin B9 supplementation should be taken at 400 micrograms daily for at least 1-3 months prior to conception and continued throughout the first trimester. This will reduce the incidence of neural tube abnormalities by 50-70% and will also reduce the incidence of cleft lip and cleft palate. Include some heart abnormalities in the baby and prevent folic acid deficiency anemia in the mother as well.
Even so, “folate” and the need for life at different ages are:
- Young women’s folate helps build red blood cells. Helps replace blood loss each month Helps nourish skin and health, slows hair graying when taken alongside PABA and B vitamins, and has also been found to lower blood pressure in women as well.
- folate in infants Helps build body and brain growth. It is an important factor in the creation of nucleic acids. Which is necessary for the growth process of the body. And build all the cells for the body properly and appropriately, build immunity to disease in the thymus gland for infants and toddlers
- in all ages Folate helps the functioning of various systems in the body. helps the body use sugar and amino acids through cellular pathways to prevent diabetes
Folate is a vitamin needed by the body at all ages. begin before birth up to all ages
- Folate Advice
In addition, the Department of Health Ministry of Public Health also advises pregnant women to consume folate-containing foods, including
1. Eat foods rich in folate Which is abundant in fruits and vegetables such as kale, kale, cauliflower, spinach, radish, broccoli, lettuce, celery, squash, tomatoes, chives, cucumbers, asparagus, long beans, citrus fruits, green grapes, strawberries.Pineapple, guava, ripe papaya, dry beans such as peanuts, beans, soybeans and folic acid are also abundant in chicken liver, beef liver, pork liver.
2. You should eat 6 tablespoons of vegetables a day and 3-5 servings of fruit a day.
3. Should eat fresh fruits and vegetables because folate can be destroyed by heat, such as cooking food with heat for a long time or heating food.
4. Using certain drugs for a long time It can have an effect on folate levels in the body, such as epilepsy drugs, malaria drugs And birth control pills 5. Should avoid drinking alcohol. because alcohol has a negative effect on absorption
source : Women’s Doctors Association of Thailand under the Royal Patronage of HM The Queen
“Folic acid…why is it necessary for expectant mothers?” Phayathai Hospital
Policy and Strategy Evaluation Plan National Development of Reproductive Health, no. 2 (2017-2026)
