Folic Acid: Essential in a Healthy Pregnancy
January 10, 2017
This week, January 8 – 14, is Folic Acid Awareness Week. Folic acid is a B vitamin that is essential in a health pregnancy. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that women get 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid each day at least one month before pregnancy to help prevent serious birth defects, including to the brain and spine.
Folic acid is found naturally in foods, such as green, leafy vegetables and certain fruits. But because it is so important to overall health, many foods are fortified with it as well. Here are three tips to help you obtain folic acid and on a path to a health pregnancy.
Make It Quick
with Prenatal Vitamins with Folic Acid
Taking a daily prenatal vitamin is a quick and easy way to obtain your daily folic acid. A daily prenatal vitamin is also an essential part of a pregnancy diet supports the nutritional needs of both mothers and babies. Every Prenate® product meets or exceeds recommendations from the CDC for daily consumption of folic acid. Plus, Prenate® contains a form of folic acid that is highly absorbable and bioavailable to everyone. Designed for the needs of both moms and babies, Prenate® Vitamin Family helps fill nutritional gaps. Talk to your doctor to see which prenatal vitamin with folic acid is right for you.
Make It Easy
with Foods Fortified with Folic Acid
Obtaining folic acid through food sources doesn’t have to be tedious. In fact, many breakfast cereals, one of the most popular on-the-go foods, are fortified with folic acid. Look for cereals that contain 100% of the recommended daily amount of folic acid.
Make It Delicious
with Recipes High in Folic Acid
It’s not only children who balk at eating vegetables. Some women aren’t excited about the prospect of eating leafy, green vegetables, even through they are high in folic acid. And if breakfast cereal isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other options. Smoothies are delicious option to boost your vitamin intake. Get creative in blending fruits and veggies packed with folic acid. Here’s one recipe you can whip up this week:
Blend the following ingredients for 45 seconds or until the mixture reach the desired consistency:
- 1 small banana
- 1/2 cup mango
- 1/2 cup pineapple
- 3/4 cup orange juice
- 1 cup ice