Folic Acid - An Essential Ingredient In Making Healthy Babies

Protecting babies against birth defects

Every day as many as two babies are conceived in England and Wales who will be born with neural tube defects such as spina bifida. The babies that survive have a range of physical disabilities which can cause great suffering to themselves and their families. The neural tube develops in the first 28 days of pregnancy, often before the woman knows she has conceived. Ensuring you have enough of a B-group vitamin called folic acid in your diet before you get pregnant, and in the first few weeks of pregnancy, will significantly reduce the risk that your baby could be born with this or other neural tube defects.

What is the difference between folic acid and folates ?

Not a lot. Both substances possess vitamin activity. Folic acid does not normally occur naturally in food but is added to foods such as breakfast cereals and breads because it is more stable than folates. It is also the form used for most supplements. Folates are naturally-occurring forms of the vitamin, and occur in a wide range of foods including fruit, vegetables, meat and dairy products.

Where do we find folic acid/folates ?

Foods that contain high levels of folates include spinach, broccoli and other leafy green vegetables, yeast extracts such as Marmite, and granary breads. Most supermarkets stock one own-label soft grain bread fortified with folic acid, whilst some leading brands are also fortified. Many breakfast cereals are fortified but to varying levels so it is important to check the label. Folic acid supplements are also available.

How much more folic acid/folates do women need ?

The Government is advising pregnant women or women wishing to become pregnant to increase their consumption of folic acid/folate by at least 400 micrograms a day (about twice the average daily intake). This can be achieved by increasing the consumption of foods which are naturally rich in folates, foods fortified with folic acid, and by starting to take a folic acid supplement.

Can we get 400µg of folic acid/folates from our daily diet without the need for supplements ?

Yes. It is better to eat foods which are naturally rich in folates, and those foods fortified with folic acid. In addition, if you are planning to have a baby, take a folic acid supplement as well.

Are there any other health benefits of taking additional folic acid/folates ?

We know that folic acid, along with two other B-group vitamins (B₆ and B₁₂), can lower levels of an amino acid called homocysteine in the blood. Recent work has shown that high levels of homocysteine may be linked to an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. These diseases are especially widespread among men. So taking additional folic acid may be a health benefit to men as well as women !!

Further Information

Contact your General Practitioner, Health Visitor or a State Registered Dietician. Leaflets are also available from major food retailers.

Information on folate research at IFR is available at: http://www.ifr.ac.uk/folate  

Briefing prepared by: Paul Finglas
Diet, Health and Consumer Science Division, IFR

Issued by:
IFR Communications
Institute of Food Research
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Tel: +44 (0) 1603 255328
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