We are learning more about the benefits of folic acid all the time. Folic acid—a B vitamin that is an essential nutrient for proper growth and development—is particularly important where expectant mothers are concerned as this vitamin has been shown to decrease the risk of your unborn baby developing serious birth defects called neural tube defects (NTDs).1

According to the March of Dimes, NTDs are defects that may occur very early in a baby's development, within four to five weeks after conception. During this period of pregnancy, the neural tube forms, closing to become the spinal cord, brain and bone surrounding these organs. When the neural tube does not close properly, an NTD occurs. Spina bifida, a defect of the spinal cord, is one such NTD.

Prevention is Key

There are a few birth defects known to be preventable, but neural tube defects are one group of congenital anomalies that can potentially be prevented. A minimum of 400 micrograms of folic acid taken daily before conception appears to prevent many neural tube-related birth defects.

It's important to note, however, that supplementation needs to be started prior to conception for optimal effectiveness.1 However, despite clear evidence to this effect, only a small percentage of women are actually following the recommendations.2

The American Academy of Pediatrics endorses the U.S. Public Health Service's (USPHS) recommendation that all women capable of becoming pregnant consume 400 micrograms of folic acid daily to prevent neural tube defects (NTDs).

Studies have demonstrated that folic acid supplementation prior to conception can prevent 50% or more of NTDs, such as spina bifida and anencephaly.3

Recommended Daily Intake

For women who have previously had an NTD-affected pregnancy, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends increasing the intake of folic acid to 4000 micrograms per day beginning at least one month before conception and continuing through the first trimester.

The study emphasizes that implementing these recommendations is vital for the primary prevention of these serious and disabling birth defects. Because fewer than 1 in 3 women consume the amount of folic acid recommended by the USPHS, the academy notes that the prevention of NTDs depends on an urgent and effective campaign to close this prevention gap.3

The March of Dimes recommends that you take a multivitamin with a minimum of 400 micrograms of folic acid daily and eat a healthy diet, including foods high in this B vitamin to ensure you get all the folic acid and other vitamins and minerals you need.Foods that contain natural folic acid include beans, leafy green vegetables and orange juice.

However, Michael Mooney of SuperNutrition points to research suggesting that supplementing beyond the minimum recommended 400 micrograms of folic acid daily may increase this important protection. For example, while 400 micrograms of folic acid was shown in one key study to reduce spina bifida by 50%,3 4000 micrograms reduced the risk of cases of NTD-affected offspring by 72%.4

Another study found that folic acid supplementation at 4000 micrograms per day at the time of conception reduced the recurrence rate by about 70%.5

Comprehensive Prenatal Nutrient Formula

Given this information, it is clearly in the best interest of all

women who may consider having babies to take a comprehensive prenatal nutrient formula that features an ample level of folic acid. This, along with the complete vitamin and mineral spectrum, can provide superior nutritional support during this very important time.

The Natural Health Solutions research staff concluded that the most optimal prenatal formula available is the SuperNutrition PreNatal Blend. This exemplary formula, features 1200 mg of calcium, and 1000 mcg. of protective folic acid—the highest amount of folic acid of any prenatal formula on the market.

It also includes a rich array of B-Complex and taurine for proper energy metabolism and healthy nervous system development, anti-oxidants like vitamins C and E, and beta-carotene, 600 mcg of biotin for healthy growth, and much more, in a food-based tablet with papaya for easy digestion.

The SuperNutrition PreNatal Blend is available at Whole Foods Markets and other health food stores nationwide. For more information about the PreNatal Blend and other SuperNutrition formulas, visit www.supernutritionusa.com.

References

1 Stein Q, et al. Preventing birth defects with folic acid. S D J Med 2002 Sep;55(9):389-91

2 Birnbacher R, Messerschmidt AM, Pollak AP. Diagnosis and prevention of neural tube defects. Curr Opin Urol 2002 Nov;12(6):461-4

3 American Academy of Pediatrics. Committee on Genetics. Folic acid for the prevention of neural tube defects. Pediatrics 1999 Aug;104(2 Pt 1):325-7

4 Van Allen MI; Fraser FC; Dallaire L; Allanson J; McLeod DR; Andermann E; Friedman JM Recommendations on the use of folic acid supplementation to prevent the recurrence of neural tube defects. CMAJ 1993 Nov 1;149(9):1239-43 (ISSN: 0820-3946)

5 Wald NJ. Folic acid and neural tube defects: the current evidence and implications for prevention. The results of the MRC Vitamin Study have established the specific role of folic acid in the prevention of neural tube defects. Ciba Found Symp 1994;181:192-208; discussion 208-11 (ISSN: 0300-5208)