Importance Of Folic Acid
The UK Government is encouraging all women of child bearing age to increase their daily intake of folic acid. The reason for this advice is a sharp increase in the number of children 
born in Scotland this year with spina bifida.
Spina bifida is a neural tube defect (NTD) and occurs when baby’s spine does not develop properly in the womb. At around 28 days after conception the developing spinal cord is an open tube. This normally closes so that it is covered by bone and skin. When this doesn’t happen spina bifida can result causing problems such as disability, learning difficulties, or even an open spinal cord. Research shows that the right amount of folic acid can significantly reduce the chances of baby being born with a NTD by about 75%.
Baby’s spine develops very soon after conception so it is important to take sufficient folic acid before you become pregnant, taking a supplement once you are aware you are pregnant is probably too late. Continue taking folic acid until the 12th week of pregnancy.
Most women need to take a 400mcg supplement of folic acid each day. However, if you already have a baby with spina bifida, or if you have coelic disease, diabetes, or if you take anti-epileptic drugs; you need a bigger dose – see you medical advisor.
The problem with taking any supplement in tablet form is that many experts say that as much as 90% of the benefit is washed straight through your body. Better to take your folic acid naturally. The natural occurring form of folic acid is called folate. Some countries add folate to flour and bread; if you live in a country that does not do this you can get folic acid naturally in green leafy vegetables such as spinach, spring greens, broccoli; and brown rice. Be careful not to overcook the vegetables – steaming is preferred as there is less chance of destroying the folic acid. Aloe vera is an excellent source of folic acid if taken as a gel drink. Liver also contains high levels of folic acid but liver should not be eaten by pregnant women or those planning pregnancy as it also contains high levels of vitamin A which could harm your baby.
Folic acid is a B vitamin and there are no known side effects.