We talk all the time about the fact that folic acid is one of the best ways to help prevent certain birth defects, or congenital anomalies.
But do you know what defects we’re fighting to prevent?
Spina bifida
•Spina Bifida occures when the backbone that protects the spinal cord does not form and close as it should. This results in varying degrees of damage to the spinal cord and nerves.
Anacephaly
•A problem with the formation of the brain and the surrounding skull. Almost all of these children die shortly after birth.
Congenital heart disease
•A malformation of the heart.
Cleft lip and palate
•Abnormal closure of the lip and palate.
Limb reduction defects
•Problems with the development of the arms and legs.
Obstructive uropathies
•Abnormal formation of the kidneys or bladder.
Birth defects in the United State are more common than most people think.
Taking the recommended 400 micrograms (mcg) of the B-9 vitamin each day can help to reduce the likelihood of a child developing on of these tragic birth defects by 70%.
Because many birth defects and fetal health problems occur in the first few weeks after conception, it’s advised for any woman, planning on getting pregnant or not, to start taking folic acid as soon as they reach childbearing age.
