Folic acid is among the recommended vitamins for pregnant women in the Philippines

A pregnant woman is responsible for two lives—hers and her unborn child’s. Anything that she consumes directly affects the baby’s growth and development inside the womb.

This is why expecting moms are usually prescribed prenatal vitamins and supplements alongside a healthy, varied diet. Among the essential vitamins for pregnant women in the Philippines is folic acid. Folic acid is important for both a woman’s wellbeing, and the health of her unborn child.

Folic acid is the synthetic form of folate, a B vitamin that is crucial in the production of healthy blood cells. This is vital during periods of rapid growth and development, which is what the fetus is going through inside the womb. It also helps form the infant’s neural tube, which will grow into the baby’s brain and spinal column.

However, research suggests that there is a high number of Filipino women who need more folate in their diets to carry out healthy pregnancies. A 2020 study found that two in ten women in the study had insufficient folate needed to prevent neural tube defects.

A lack of folic acid has been connected to birth defects in the brain (anencephaly) and spine (spina bifida).

Folic acid isn’t just for expecting women

However, folic acid isn’t just for pregnant women or those who want to have children – it also plays a key role in breaking down homocysteine, an amino acid that is harmful to the body in high amounts. Some studies also suggest that there is a strong connection between high homocysteine levels and Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Folic acid supplementation can also reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. If paired with iron, folic acid can help in the prevention of anemia.

Women of reproductive age are recommended to take at least 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid every day, and to eat foods that naturally contain folate. Good sources of this are:

●     Eggs
●     Seafood
●     Whole grains
●     Fresh fruits & fresh fruit juices
●     Beans & peanuts
●     Dark green leafy vegetables (broccoli, Brussels sprouts, asparagus, romaine lettuce, spinach)

It’s a good idea to check the package labels of foods like rice, bread, pasta, cereal, and other grain products if they are enriched with folate.

Making sure you have the right nutrition is essential to having a healthy pregnancy. Partners of expecting moms can help by making sure that they get the healthy food they need, as well as regularly take their folic acid supplements.

Always remember to check with your doctor before trying new supplements, especially when pregnant.

1. NHS. “Vitamins, supplements and nutrition in pregnancy.” Published (n.d.) on https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/vitamins-supplements-and-nutrition/. Accessed 26 February 2022.

2. Bernardo, A., et. al., “Prevalence and factors associated with folate deficiency among Filipino women of child-bearing age”. Mal J Nutr 26(2): 229-243, 2020. Published at https://nutriweb.org.my/mjn/publication/26-2/Vol%2026(2)%208.%20mjn.2019.0075%20Bernardo%20(online%20first).pdf. Accessed March 7, 2022