The use of folic acid_What is folic acid for

Folic acid is a very common element. Many mothers who are preparing for pregnancy or pregnant take folic acid. Folic acid has many uses, such as regulating the vitality of germ cells, preventing neural tube defects in babies, and supplementing necessary nutrients. These are all beneficial to the body, but let us take a look at the specific effects of folic acid so that we can have a real understanding of folic acid.

What is folic acid for?

When preparing to have a baby, you need to go to the hospital for a detailed pre-pregnancy check-up. At this time, the doctor may remind the couple to pay attention to folic acid supplementation. So what are the effects and functions of folic acid? How to supplement folic acid?

1. The efficacy and role of folic acid

1. Regulate the activity of germ cells

During the pregnancy preparation period, not only women should pay attention to proper folic acid supplementation, but men should also supplement folic acid, because this can improve the quality of sperm and increase the success rate of conception.

2. Preventing neonatal neural tube defects

Studies have found that taking 400 micrograms of folic acid every day during the pregnancy preparation period can effectively reduce the incidence of neural tube defects in newborns and the possibility of cleft lip. Therefore, when preparing for pregnancy, doctors will remind you to supplement folic acid in time.

3. Supplement nutrients

Because after supplementing with folic acid, it can assist in the synthesis of DNA. This substance can make the fetus's brain develop better, making the child smarter in the future. Folic acid is also a component of cerebrospinal fluid, so supplementing with folic acid can provide nutritional support for the body.

4. Reduces the Risk of Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a relatively dangerous disease during pregnancy and delivery. If folic acid can be properly supplemented during pregnancy, the risk of preeclampsia in pregnant women can be effectively reduced.

5. Reduce the risk of hyperlipidemia in pregnancy

Taking folic acid supplements for three months starting from the preparation period for pregnancy, and then for another three months after pregnancy, or taking folic acid supplements throughout the pregnancy can effectively reduce the risk of gestational hyperlipidemia in pregnant women and is beneficial to women's health.

2. How to supplement folic acid during pregnancy

1. Take folic acid tablets

Folic acid supplementation has great benefits for both pregnant women and fetuses, so attention should be paid to folic acid supplementation during the preparation period for pregnancy, the first three months of pregnancy, and even the entire pregnancy. Generally, 0.4 mg of folic acid is needed every day, one tablet a day, which is very convenient.

2. Food supplements

You can also eat more foods rich in folic acid to supplement your body. There are many foods that contain folic acid, especially green leafy vegetables, fruits and animal livers, which have higher content, so you can eat more of them.