Folic acid (or folate) is a term for a vitamin of the B group, vitamin B9. Folic acid is found naturally in foods such as green leafy vegetables, legumes and citrus fruits. This vitamin is involved in the formation of new tissues, helps in the formation of red blood cells, and collaborates with vitamin B12 in protein synthesis and DNA metabolism.
Folic acid deficiency
A folic acid deficiency can lead to macrocytic anemia, in which the red blood cells have a larger volume than normal, caused by an alteration in DNA synthesis. In addition, a vitamin deficiency can also cause abnormally high levels of homocysteine in the blood, since folate is involved in its degradation. Homocysteine is a compound that the body needs to manufacture proteins and its values in the blood should be low. Increased levels of homocysteine in the blood have been linked in the medical literature to cardiovascular problems.
Folic acid and pregnancy
Folic acid is essential for the proper development of the fetus as it is involved in the formation of the neural tube. Folic acid deficiencies can cause malformations of the brain (anencephaly) and spine (spina bifida). Folate deficiency during pregnancy has also been associated with congenital heart disease.
Supplementation during pregnancy
Folic acid is a water-soluble vitamin, i.e. it dissolves in water and is eliminated in the urine. The body does not accumulate folate. Therefore, in order to maintain adequate folic acid levels during pregnancy, it is advisable to take a supplement. This supplement should be a minimum of 400 micrograms (g), either in the form of folic acid tablets or included in a multivitamin compound specifically for pregnancy.
It is recommended that a woman initiate folate supplementation when she is seeking pregnancy and continue during pregnancy, at least until the 12th week of gestation. Severe neural tube defects appear very early in embryonic development (week 3-4 after conception) when many women do not yet know they are pregnant.