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From age 10 to 50, you need to take Folic Acid every day.

Folic Acid supplements are proven to reduce the risk of birth defects such as spina bifida and anencephaly if taken well before conception. Talk to your doctor about the importance of Folic Acid for your health now and in the future.

Join us in celebrating Folic Acid Awareness Week

January 10 through 16 — by educating and empowering other women about the importance of folic acid! Click here! 

news and events

Pregnancy Resources for Arkansas Women & Mothers-02/04/21
Submitted by vitaminforlife

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FAQ

Q:Who should take Folic Acid?

A:All women 10 -50. Even if the woman is not planning on getting pregnant, taking Folic Acid is still recommended as 70% of all pregnancies are unplanned.

Q:How much Folic Acid should women take?

A: According to the U.S. Public Health Service, U.S. Preventative Services Task Force, March of Dimes, the Institute of Medicine, the ... ... read more

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know the facts

  • Folic Acid or Vitamin B-9 helps your body make DNA and RNA, the genetic "brains" that tell your body how to build cells
  • Taking Folic Acid 3-12 months before you get pregnant can prevent your baby from dying or being paralyzed for life
  • Taking B-9 before getting pregnant could prevent 70% or more of these tragic birth defects
  • 50% of pregnancies in the US are unplanned (80% of teen pregnancies)
  • Neural Tube Defects (NTD) [Spina bifida and anencephalic birth defects] can only be prevented by moms taking B-9 before getting pregnant
  • Spina bifida (babies born with a hole in the spine) will have lifetime paralysis
  • Anencephalic babies are born without a brain and always die shortly after birth
  • Vitamin B-9 is cheap and no prescription is required
  • Since 1998 the FDA has required flour and cereal makers to put about 100 micrograms a day in our food but that is not enough
http://https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2vUfDkOeWI&feature=youtu.be

A Positive Influence

Once I became Miss Arkansas USA, I realized my healthy choices could help others, as well. When my doctor told me about the importance of folic acid, I knew it was a message I wanted to share. 

know the facts

  • Folic Acid or Vitamin B-9 helps your body make DNA and RNA, the genetic "brains" that tell your body how to build cells
  • Taking Folic Acid 3-12 months before you get pregnant can prevent your baby from dying or being paralyzed for life
  • Taking B-9 before getting pregnant could prevent 70% or more of these tragic birth defects
  • 50% of pregnancies in the US are unplanned (80% of teen pregnancies)
  • Neural Tube Defects (NTD) [Spina bifida and anencephalic birth defects] can only be prevented by moms taking B-9 before getting pregnant
  • Spina bifida (babies born with a hole in the spine) will have lifetime paralysis
  • Anencephalic babies are born without a brain and always die shortly after birth
  • Vitamin B-9 is cheap and no prescription is required
  • Since 1998 the FDA has required flour and cereal makers to put about 100 micrograms a day in our food but that is not enough

I wish someone would have told me that taking folic acid on a regular basis would decrease the chance of my baby being born with spina bifida. Like most girls my age, my pregnancy was not planned. I had no idea folic acid existed. I especially didn't know I should be taking it since I was sexually active.

~ KB

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The information and resources listed here are intended for educational use only. The information provided on this web site should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease. It is not a substitute for professional care. Always contact your physician and/or other qualified healthcare professional before starting any new treatment or with questions about your health.

Plain language and translation service provided by UAMS Center for Health Literacy.

Arkansas Folic Acid Coalition  |  1 Children’s Way Slot 512-22  |  Little Rock, AR 72202

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