Folic Acid: The Tiny Vitamin with a Mighty Role in Preventing Neural Tube Defects

Imagine the earliest days of pregnancy, when life itself is taking shape. Deep within, the baby’s brain and spinal cord are beginning to form—This early development depends on a delicate process—one that can go wrong without enough of a specific nutrient: folic acid.

What Are Neural Tube Defects (NTDs)?

Think of the neural tube as a zipper that needs to close perfectly to form the baby’s brain and spine. If the zipper doesn’t close properly, it can lead to neural tube defects (NTDs). The two most common types are:

  1. Spina bifida: A condition where the spine doesn’t fully develop, leading to mobility issues.
  2. Anencephaly: A more severe defect affecting the brain, often resulting in a short life span.

The critical window for this “zipping up” is in the first 28 days of pregnancy—often one realises she is pregnant (1).

How Does Folic Acid Help?

Now, here’s where folic acid works its magic. This vitamin B9 helps cells grow and divide, ensuring the neural tube closes correctly. Without enough folic acid, the process can falter. The best part? Research shows that taking folic acid can prevent up to 70% of NTDs (Canada Public Health).

Don’t worry if planning ahead isn’t your forte. Starting folic acid as soon as you find out you’re pregnant still offers protection!

How Much Folic Acid Do You Need?(2)

  1. Before pregnancy: 400 mcg daily
  2. During pregnancy: 600 mcg daily
    For women who’ve experienced NTDs in a previous pregnancy, higher doses may be recommended.

The Takeaway

Folic acid is more than just a nutrient—it’s your baby’s first line of defense. Think of it as a safety net, ensuring their brain and spine develop perfectly. Whether through food, supplements, or fortified options, getting enough folic acid is one of the simplest and most impactful things you can do for your baby’s health.

References

  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About Neural Tube Defects. Published October 18, 2022. https://www.cdc.gov/birth-defects/about/neural-tube-defects.html
  2. World Health Organization. Periconceptional folic acid supplementation to prevent neural tube defects. https://www.who.int/tools/elena/interventions/folate-periconceptional
  3. Public Health Agency of Canada. Folic Acid and Pregnancy. Published February 15, 2023. https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/pregnancy/folic-acid.html

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 Folic Acid: The Tiny Vitamin with a Mighty Role in Preventing Neural Tube Defects

Imagine the earliest days of pregnancy, when life itself is taking shape. Deep within, the baby’s brain and spinal cord are beginning to form—This early development depends on a delicate process—one that can go wrong without enough of a specific nutrient: folic acid. 

 

What Are Neural Tube Defects (NTDs)?

Think of the neural tube as a zipper that needs to close perfectly to form the baby’s brain and spine. If the zipper doesn’t close properly, it can lead to neural tube defects (NTDs). The two most common types are:

  1. Spina bifida: A condition where the spine doesn’t fully develop, leading to mobility issues.
  2. Anencephaly: A more severe defect affecting the brain, often resulting in a short life span.

The critical window for this “zipping up” is in the first 28 days of pregnancy—often one realises she is pregnant (1).

How Does Folic Acid Help?

Now, here’s where folic acid works its magic. This vitamin B9 helps cells grow and divide, ensuring the neural tube closes correctly. Without enough folic acid, the process can falter. The best part? Research shows that taking folic acid can prevent up to 70% of NTDs (Canada Public Health).

Don’t worry if planning ahead isn’t your forte. Starting folic acid as soon as you find out you’re pregnant still offers protection!

How Much Folic Acid Do You Need?(2)

  1. Before pregnancy: 400 mcg daily.
  2. During pregnancy: 600 mcg daily
    For women who’ve experienced NTDs in a previous pregnancy, higher doses may be recommended.

The Takeaway

Folic acid is more than just a nutrient—it’s your baby’s first line of defense. Think of it as a safety net, ensuring their brain and spine develop perfectly. Whether through food, supplements, or fortified options, getting enough folic acid is one of the simplest and most impactful things you can do for your baby’s health.

References

  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About Neural Tube Defects. Published October 18, 2022. https://www.cdc.gov/birth-defects/about/neural-tube-defects.html
  2. World Health Organization. Periconceptional folic acid supplementation to prevent neural tube defects. https://www.who.int/tools/elena/interventions/folate-periconceptional
  3. Public Health Agency of Canada. Folic Acid and Pregnancy. Published February 15, 2023. https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/pregnancy/folic-acid.html

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