Vitamin Spotlight: Benefits of Prenatal Vitamins with Folic Acid
February 10, 2015
For women who are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant, folic acid is extremely important for baby’s growth and proper development. It helps a baby’s brain and spinal cord form properly to reduce the risk of some serious birth defects. If you are thinking you may want a baby in the future, it’s very important to understand the role that folic acid plays in pregnancy.
How Much Folic Acid Do I Need?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, women who are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnancy should consume 400 mcg of folic acid each day. They recommend that women ensure they are getting a minimum of 400 mcg at least one month prior to conception to help prevent major birth defects of the baby’s brain and spine.1
What Are the Benefits of Folic Acid?
Folic acid is a critical nutrient for before conception and throughout pregnancy. It is so important to our bodies and to a baby’s development that folic acid is often added to foods. Folic acid is important in helping our bodies make new cells – a process that occurs every day for everyone. It helps a baby’s brain and spinal cord form properly to prevent birth defects. For pregnant women or women who are thinking about becoming pregnant, folic acid may reduce the risk for major birth defects of the brain and spine, such as spina bifida or anencephaly.2
How Do I Ensure I’m Getting Enough Folic Acid?
A well balanced diet is a great way to ensure you’re meeting your daily folic acid intake. Below are some foods high in folic acid and the amount you’d need each day to reach the daily recommended intake:
½ cup of fortified cereals contain 100-400 mg of folic acid
½ cup of spinach contains 100 mcg of folic acid
½ cup of chopped broccoli contains 50 mcg of folic acid
4 spears of asparagus contains 85 mcg of folic acid
While eating a balanced diet is always recommended, healthy eating is not enough. Typically women do not consume enough folic acid in their regular diets. One good way to ensure that you and your baby are getting enough folic acid is by supplementing with prenatal vitamins with folic acid from the Prenate® Vitamin Family. These prenatal vitamins are specifically formulated to meet the nutritional needs of women who are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant. Ask your doctor which Prenate® vitamin is right for you. Click on the product name below to learn more about the benefits of the prenatal vitamins with folic acid or to download special savings coupons:
- Prenate Mini® – A small, easy-to-swallow softgel with complete prenatal nutrition support, including 350 mg of DHA.
- Prenate® Enhance – Advanced prenatal softgel vitamin with 400 mg DHA – the highest level among leading Rx brands − plus highly absorbable forms of folate, 1,000 IU vitamin D3, Formical® calcium, and more.
- Prenate® Restore – A softgel vitamin specially designed for the needs of breastfeeding mothers and babies that includes probiotics and DHA to help restore and support GI and immune health.
- Prenate® Chewable – Dutch chocolate flavor chewable prenatal vitamin including high levels of calcium, vitamin D3, 1 mg folate and no vitamin aftertaste.
- Prenate DHA® – A prenatal vitamin containing 10 vitamins and minerals including 300 mg DHA, 1 mg folate, calcium, vitamin D3 and iron.
- Prenate Elite® – A prenatal vitamin containing 17 vitamins and minerals including 1 mg folate, calcium, vitamin D3 and iron.
- Prenate Essential® – A prenatal vitamin containing 13 vitamins and minerals including 300 mg DHA, 40 mg of EPA, 1 mg folate, calcium, vitamin D3 and iron.
