Pregnancy is the critical period when nutrition, especially nutrient folate, a B-vitamin is essential for foetal development. Consuming high amounts of folate during pregnancy cause neuro-tube defects and autism spectrum disorders. Folate is a vitamin found in leafy greens, citrus fruits, and fortified cereals required for DNA synthesis, cell division, and amino acid metabolism. Pregnant women should take folic acid tablets for pregnancy to fulfil all their daily folic acid needs during pregnancy.
FOLIC ACID IN PREGNANCY: BASIC INFORMATION
Folate, or vitamin B9, is a particularly important nutrient during early pregnancy, especially in the first trimester when the neural tube begins to form. Later, this neural tube becomes the baby’s brain and spinal cord. So, the proper development of the neural tissue requires ample folate. Low levels of folate during pregnancy are associated with neural tube defects like spina bifida and anencephaly.
To avoid such defects, World’s leading health care organizations and WHO have advised pregnant women to take a minimum of 400 micrograms of folic acid daily via food or through supplements from before conception and until early pregnancy. Folic acid sources in fortified foods and prenatal multivitamins ensure the adequate intake level in women.
Key Information: Balancing Folic acid consumption in Pregnancy
Folic acid is good for pregnancy, but excess consumption comes with a number of risks as well. So, it is crucial to
Since folate seems to have benefits and risks, proper balance is required in pregnant women. Here are some crucial considerations-
Adequate Supplementation: Most doctors believe that the daily dose of recommended folic acid intake of 400–800 micrograms, is beneficial and safe in pregnancy. This would normally be enough to lower the risk of neural tube defects without elevating the risk of autism. Pregnant women with a family history of neural tube defects may be urged to maintain higher doses in a doctor’s care.
Timing Matters: Folic acid is administered before pregnancy and also in the first trimesters of a pregnancy to enable the development of a neural tube. All of these take the desired quantity of folic acid during pregnancy, help in foetal development.
Avoid Overload Intake: The importance of avoiding folate deficiency cannot be overemphasized, however, overload intake of this vitamin should not be ignored either. A pregnant woman should therefore seek consult with her doctor on the amount to be taken since she may be consuming other foods that may be fortified or multivitamins.
Genetic Factors: Such genetic differences may thus determine how women metabolize folate based on their genetic background and put them at the risk of autism. Based on a woman’s genotype, she may have a mutated form of the MTHFR gene, affecting her metabolic style in relation to folate and calling for specific supplementation methods. Genetic analysis and consultation with a health care provider may also determine what best can be done in this regard.
IT’S IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND THE FEARS AROUND FOLIC ACID AND AUTISM
Folate and vitamin B12 deficiencies are linked to neural tube defects and may also be linked to autism spectrum disorder. It is still a big question that high folic acid levels in pregnant women and a higher autism risk in children.
Though folate is intended to prevent neural development defects, an excess amount may cause one to have a higher risk of developing the disorder, thus should be monitored properly. It was shown at autism research study that folic acid intake in pregnancy does not have a causal relation with autism. However, blood tests of 1,400 mothers revealed that 10% had high levels of folate beyond the recommended amount and more likely to have a baby diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.
FOLIC ACID PILLS FOR PREGNANCY
Doctors prescribe folate in pregnancy through pregnancy supplements as it is essential for pregnancy. Folate tablets for pregnancy provide a sufficient amount of folic acid, which will ensure proper foetal development. Taking folic acid pills for pregnancy will help reduce the risk of neural tube defect.
FOLIC ACID DURING PREGNANCY
Folic acid during pregnancy supports the proper development of a foetus growing inside a woman’s body. The recommended amount of folic acid is crucial to the overall health of the mother as well as her baby. Folate in Pregnancy averts birth defects and plays an important role in neurodevelopment and cognitive ability in children.
FOLATE TABLETS FOR PREGNANCY
Folate tablets, the natural form of folic acid, are the best non-artificial supplements for pregnant women who prefer going naturally. Proper absorption of folic acid during pregnancy is an essential component of healthy pregnancy and reducing pregnancy complications.
TRIMACARE: THE BEST FOLIC ACID PILLS FOR PREGNANCY AND PREVENT AUTISM
Trimacare pregnancy supplement is a one-stop solution for women, providing all the 20+ nutrients needed for pregnancy. Formulated by doctors, pharmacologists, and nutritionists, Trimacare prenatal multivitamin tablet follows WHO and ICMR guidelines. Available in three different packs for each trimester, Trimacare prenatal tablet provides 100% Required Daily Allowances (RDA) of Folate. Trimacare prenatal tablet contains only natural, plant-based ingredients and is chemical-free. Trimacare pregnancy multivitamin has received acceptance from many leading doctors in India and is available online and offline, at local chemists, to provide pregnant women with the best possible care.
Most importantly, folate intake in pregnancy is crucial for healthy foetal development. It is advised to follow the doctor’s recommendations for folate tablet for pregnancy and prenatal care. However, further study is needed to understand the complex relationship between the consumption of folic acid and risks associated with multiple cases of autism spectrum disorder.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is taking clear folate supplementation in pregnancy is connected to autism?
Ans- The intake of folic acid during pregnancy does not have direct proof that it is the cause of autism. Other studies also provide evidence that high enough levels of folic acid do not have a risk for increased ASD, and that very extremely high levels may have a risk that does increase the rate of ASD. More studies should be done for this to be implemented and practiced in our country.
What quantity of folic acid should I take to avoid any risks?
Ans- The dosage for folic acid when pregnant should be between 400 to 800 mcg a day. This is the usual, safe dose that prevents neural tube defects and other complications for the foetus. Any level beyond this must always be prescribed by a physician.
Is it safe to continue taking the folic acid during pregnancy?
Ans- In general, there is no contraindication to carrying out a recommended dose of folic acid throughout pregnancy, and folic acid supports the ongoing developmental requirements of the fetus; this is why most prenatal vitamins contain this vitamin.
Am I getting enough folic acid in my diet?
Ans- Fortified foods-cereals, bread, and pasta contain folic acid. Then leafy greens, beans, citrus fruits comprise other ones. But in general it is pretty difficult to meet the daily requirements with food alone-a supplement is usually recommended.
Can folate consumption after conception also play a role in preventing autism?
Ans- Although optimal folate consumption during pregnancy is crucial, well-balanced folate consumption at every point throughout the pregnancy can make a positive contribution to foetal development and probably risk prevention in any case of autism.
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