Folic Acid: Why Women Should Have It?

Folic acid is a form of vitamin B: B9. Although it is believed that only women who wish to become pregnant or during pregnancy should take it, everyone needs it.

The body uses it to make new cells. That’s why the Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone should ingest it, regardless of age or gender.

Why every women needs to take folic acid?

When taken during pregnancy, it protects unborn babies from serious birth defects, such as neural tube defects that affect the spine, spinal cord, or brain (spina bifida, anencephaly) and can cause death. It also helps prevent other types of birth defects and miscarriage early in pregnancy, according to the Office of Women’s Health.

Because many pregnancies are unplanned, women are advised to start taking it early, even if they have no plans to have children yet.

Birth defects happen in the first few weeks of pregnancy, when most women do not know they are pregnant. If taken early, it will protect the health of the future baby.

Folic acid contributes to the formation and growth of red blood cells. If not consumed enough, it can cause folate-deficiency anemia, which is more common in women than in men.

It is used to treat other conditions commonly associated with folate deficiency, such as ulcerative colitis, liver disease, alcoholism, and kidney dialysis. And to prevent colon cancer or cervical cancer.

The vitamin is found naturally in foods such as spinach and other leafy greens, oranges, nuts, and beans. Also in fortified foods such as bread, pasta and cereals (must be listed as added folic acid in the list of ingredients).

And it can be taken as a pill supplement. This usually comes in a 400-microgram package, which is the dose that everyone should take. Women who plan to become pregnant or who are already pregnant may require up to 800 micrograms.

During menopause, women should continue to take 400 micrograms of folic acid. Several studies have shown that folic acid was effective in reducing the severity, duration, and frequency of hot flashes during menopause. It is recommended as an affordable and accessible method of treating hot flashes.

If you are unsure about the amount you should consume, consult your doctor to determine the dosage according to your needs.

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