Why is folate important?
Penny cited the following
8 peer-reviewed research articles
5 professionally-backed sources
4 articles from healthcare institutions
Overview
Folate (vitamin B9) is essential during pregnancy because it helps prevent serious birth defects of the brain and spine, supports healthy cell growth, and plays a key role in making DNA and red blood cells. Folate is especially important in early pregnancy, often before a person even knows they are pregnant.
Why Folate Is Important
Neural Tube Defect Prevention
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Folate is critical for the development of the neural tube, which becomes the baby's brain and spinal cord. Not getting enough folate before and during early pregnancy can lead to neural tube defects (NTDs), such as spina bifida and anencephaly. Taking folic acid (the synthetic form of folate) before conception and during the first trimester can reduce the risk of NTDs by 50% or more.
1ArticleAbout Folic Acid | Folic Acid | CDCIt helps your body make new cells (for example, blood cells, brain cells, skin, hair, and nails). Every new cell in the body needs folate. Folic acid is especially important during early pregnancy, because it helps the neural tube—which becomes the brain and spine—develop.→
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
2ArticleFolic Acid for a Healthy Baby | Johns Hopkins MedicineThe developing baby needs folate to make healthy new cells, and to make DNA and RNA (genetic material). These are cell-building blocks. Folate also is essential to form normal red blood cells and certain amino acids. These are important functions during pregnancy and infancy.→Johns Hopkins Medicine
3ArticleWhat Does Folic Acid Do for the Body? | Northwestern MedicineFolic acid is vital for a baby's health. Without enough folic acid, the neural tube may not develop properly, resulting in spina bifida or other birth defects.→Northwestern Medicine
4ArticleFolic acid for the prevention of neural tube defects. American Academy of Pediatrics. Committee on Genetics - PubMedThe American Academy of Pediatrics endorses the US Public Health Service (USPHS) recommendation that all women capable of becoming pregnant consume 400 microgram of folicacid daily to preventneuraltubedefects (NTDs). Studies have demonstrated that periconceptional folicacid supplementation ...→PubMed
5ArticleIntroduction - Folic Acid Supplementation to Prevent Neural Tube Defects: A Limited Systematic Review Update for the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force - NCBI BookshelfHigh levels of folic acid supplementation (4 mg) have been found to reduce the risk of recurrent NTDs by more than 70 percent, and even more modest levels of folic acid supplementation (0.4 mg) reduce the first occurrence of NTDs.22 The mechanism by which folate reduces the risk of NTDs is ...→National Center for Biotechnology Information
Healthy Cell Growth and DNA Formation
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Folate is needed for the production and repair of DNA and RNA, which are the building blocks of cells. This is especially important during pregnancy, when cells are dividing rapidly to form new tissues and organs in the developing baby.
2ArticleFolic Acid for a Healthy Baby | Johns Hopkins MedicineThe developing baby needs folate to make healthy new cells, and to make DNA and RNA (genetic material). These are cell-building blocks. Folate also is essential to form normal red blood cells and certain amino acids. These are important functions during pregnancy and infancy.→3ArticleWhat Does Folic Acid Do for the Body? | Northwestern MedicineFolic acid is vital for a baby's health. Without enough folic acid, the neural tube may not develop properly, resulting in spina bifida or other birth defects.→6ArticleFolic Acid Supplementation and Pregnancy: More Than Just Neural Tube Defect Prevention - PMCDietary supplementation with folic acid around the time of conception has long been known to reduce the risk of neural tube defects (NTDs) in the offspring.1–4 This article reviews the metabolism of folic acid, the appropriate use of folic acid supplementation in pregnancy, and the potential ...→
PubMed Central
7ArticleFolic Acid Supplementation and Pregnancy: More Than Just Neural Tube Defect Prevention - PMCFolate (vitamin B[9] ) is an essential nutrient that is required for DNA replication and as a substrate for a range of enzymatic reactions involved in amino acid synthesis and vitamin metabolism. Demands for folate increase during pregnancy because it ...→
Red Blood Cell Production and Prevention of Anemia
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Folate helps the body make normal red blood cells. A deficiency can lead to folate-deficiency anemia, which can cause fatigue, weakness, and other health problems for the pregnant individual.
6ArticleFolic Acid Supplementation and Pregnancy: More Than Just Neural Tube Defect Prevention - PMCDietary supplementation with folic acid around the time of conception has long been known to reduce the risk of neural tube defects (NTDs) in the offspring.1–4 This article reviews the metabolism of folic acid, the appropriate use of folic acid supplementation in pregnancy, and the potential ...→8ArticleFolic acid | Office on Women's HealthFolic acid is a form of folate (a B vitamin) that everyone needs. If you can get pregnant or are pregnant, folic acid is especially important.→
Office on Women's Health
9ArticleFolate Deficiency and Pregnancy | Annals of Internal MedicineExcerpt The recommendation of Lawrence and Klipstein, in their paper in this issue of the ANNALS, that folic acid be given routinely to all pregnant women is supported by data reported recently by Lowenstein, Cantlie, Ramos, and Brunton (1) from Montreal. Of nonanemic pregnant women treated ...→acpjournals.org
Other Pregnancy Outcomes
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Adequate folate intake is linked to a lower risk of other complications, such as preterm birth, low birth weight, and small for gestational age infants.
10ArticleThe Critical Role of Folate in Prenatal Health and a Proposed Shift from Folic Acid to 5-Methyltetrahydrofolate Supplementation | Published in Georgetown Medical ReviewFolate deficiency can also lead to other complications such as preterm birth (birth at less than 37 weeks’ gestation) and small for gestational age (infants and fetuses at <10th percentile in weight at their respective gestational age).20 These adverse pregnancy outcomes underline the importance of maternal folic acid supplementation not only for the health ...→
Global Medical Research (GMR) - Scholastica
11ArticleEffect of folate intake on health outcomes in pregnancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis on birth weight, placental weight and length of gestation - PMCMaternal folate is transferred ... status during pregnancy may be a risk factor of several adverse health outcomes, such as fetal malformations and various placenta-related diseases [41]. Moreover, low folate status results in elevated plasma homocysteine level, which may ...→ -
Folate also supports normal immune function and may play a role in the timing of labor.
6ArticleFolic Acid Supplementation and Pregnancy: More Than Just Neural Tube Defect Prevention - PMCDietary supplementation with folic acid around the time of conception has long been known to reduce the risk of neural tube defects (NTDs) in the offspring.1–4 This article reviews the metabolism of folic acid, the appropriate use of folic acid supplementation in pregnancy, and the potential ...→7ArticleFolic Acid Supplementation and Pregnancy: More Than Just Neural Tube Defect Prevention - PMCFolate (vitamin B[9] ) is an essential nutrient that is required for DNA replication and as a substrate for a range of enzymatic reactions involved in amino acid synthesis and vitamin metabolism. Demands for folate increase during pregnancy because it ...→
How Much Folate Is Needed?
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Most guidelines recommend that people who are pregnant or may become pregnant take 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid daily, starting at least one month before conception and continuing through the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Some guidelines suggest continuing folate supplementation throughout pregnancy.
1ArticleAbout Folic Acid | Folic Acid | CDCIt helps your body make new cells (for example, blood cells, brain cells, skin, hair, and nails). Every new cell in the body needs folate. Folic acid is especially important during early pregnancy, because it helps the neural tube—which becomes the brain and spine—develop.→4ArticleFolic acid for the prevention of neural tube defects. American Academy of Pediatrics. Committee on Genetics - PubMedThe American Academy of Pediatrics endorses the US Public Health Service (USPHS) recommendation that all women capable of becoming pregnant consume 400 microgram of folicacid daily to preventneuraltubedefects (NTDs). Studies have demonstrated that periconceptional folicacid supplementation ...→12ArticleNutrition During Pregnancy | ACOGDuring pregnancy you need folic acid, iron, calcium, vitamin D, choline, omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, and vitamin C. See the below table for recommended amounts. ... Folic acid, also known as folate, is a B vitamin that is importantduringpregnancy.→
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
13ArticleVitamins, minerals and supplements in pregnancy - NHSFolic acid can help prevent birth defects known as neural tube defects, including spina bifida. If you did not take folic acid before you conceived, you should start as soon as you find out you're pregnant. Try to eat green leafy vegetables which contain folate (the natural form of folic acid) ...→nhs.uk
14ArticlePericonceptional folic acid supplementation to prevent neural tube defectsAll women, from the moment they begin trying to conceive until 12 weeks of gestation, should take a folic acid supplement (400 μg folic acid daily). Women who have had a fetus diagnosed as affected by a neural tube defect or have given birth to a baby with a neural tube defect should: ... ...→who.int
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Because it can be difficult to get enough folate from food alone, a supplement is usually recommended.
3ArticleWhat Does Folic Acid Do for the Body? | Northwestern MedicineFolic acid is vital for a baby's health. Without enough folic acid, the neural tube may not develop properly, resulting in spina bifida or other birth defects.→13ArticleVitamins, minerals and supplements in pregnancy - NHSFolic acid can help prevent birth defects known as neural tube defects, including spina bifida. If you did not take folic acid before you conceived, you should start as soon as you find out you're pregnant. Try to eat green leafy vegetables which contain folate (the natural form of folic acid) ...→
What Happens If You Don’t Get Enough Folate?
- Folate deficiency during pregnancy can lead to:
- Neural tube defects in the baby
- Anemia in the pregnant individual
- Increased risk of preterm birth and low birth weight
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Potential developmental and neurocognitive issues in the child
2ArticleFolic Acid for a Healthy Baby | Johns Hopkins MedicineThe developing baby needs folate to make healthy new cells, and to make DNA and RNA (genetic material). These are cell-building blocks. Folate also is essential to form normal red blood cells and certain amino acids. These are important functions during pregnancy and infancy.→6ArticleFolic Acid Supplementation and Pregnancy: More Than Just Neural Tube Defect Prevention - PMCDietary supplementation with folic acid around the time of conception has long been known to reduce the risk of neural tube defects (NTDs) in the offspring.1–4 This article reviews the metabolism of folic acid, the appropriate use of folic acid supplementation in pregnancy, and the potential ...→10ArticleThe Critical Role of Folate in Prenatal Health and a Proposed Shift from Folic Acid to 5-Methyltetrahydrofolate Supplementation | Published in Georgetown Medical ReviewFolate deficiency can also lead to other complications such as preterm birth (birth at less than 37 weeks’ gestation) and small for gestational age (infants and fetuses at <10th percentile in weight at their respective gestational age).20 These adverse pregnancy outcomes underline the importance of maternal folic acid supplementation not only for the health ...→11ArticleEffect of folate intake on health outcomes in pregnancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis on birth weight, placental weight and length of gestation - PMCMaternal folate is transferred ... status during pregnancy may be a risk factor of several adverse health outcomes, such as fetal malformations and various placenta-related diseases [41]. Moreover, low folate status results in elevated plasma homocysteine level, which may ...→15ArticleEffects of maternal folic acid supplementation during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy on neurocognitive development in the child: an 11-year follow-up from a randomised controlled trial | BMC Medicine | Full TextA major limitation in the aforementioned studies is that they are observational and thus, by design, cannot demonstrate that maternalfolate nutrition is causatively linked with cognitive outcomes in the offspring [6]. More robust evidence was however provided in our recent follow-up study ...→
BioMed Central Medicine
Can You Get Too Much Folate?
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While folate from food is not harmful, taking too much folic acid from supplements can mask vitamin B12 deficiency and may have other risks. Most guidelines recommend not exceeding 1,000 mcg of folic acid per day unless prescribed by a healthcare provider.
8ArticleFolic acid | Office on Women's HealthFolic acid is a form of folate (a B vitamin) that everyone needs. If you can get pregnant or are pregnant, folic acid is especially important.→16ArticleToo Much Folate in Pregnant Women Increases Risk for Autism, Study Suggests | Johns Hopkins | Bloomberg School of Public HealthWe must aim for optimal levels of this important nutrient.” · Folate is essential in cell growth and promotes neurodevelopmental growth. Deficiencies early in pregnancy have been linked to birth defects and to an increased risk of developing an autism spectrum disorder.→
Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
17ArticleWhy every woman needs folic acid | UCLA HealthBut the health advantages of folic acid reach far beyond pregnancy – this supplement offers lifelong benefits for all women. The good news is that folic acid is easy to add to your daily regimen. Once you understand why it’s important, how much you need and where to find it, getting the recommended daily amount is simple. And your health will be better for it. Folic acid is the manufactured form of folate...→UCLA Health
Summary
Folate is crucial for a healthy pregnancy, especially in the early weeks. It helps prevent neural tube defects, supports cell growth, and reduces the risk of anemia and other complications. Because many pregnancies are unplanned and the neural tube forms very early, it’s recommended to start folic acid supplementation before conception and continue through at least the first trimester. Getting enough folate is one of the most effective ways to support your health and your baby’s development during pregnancy.
1
Article
About Folic Acid | Folic Acid | CDC
It helps your body make new cells (for example, blood cells, brain cells, skin, hair, and nails). Every new cell in the body needs folate. Folic acid is especially important during early pregnancy, because it helps the neural tube—which becomes the brain and spine—develop.
2
Article
Folic Acid for a Healthy Baby | Johns Hopkins Medicine
The developing baby needs folate to make healthy new cells, and to make DNA and RNA (genetic material). These are cell-building blocks. Folate also is essential to form normal red blood cells and certain amino acids. These are important functions during pregnancy and infancy.
3
Article
What Does Folic Acid Do for the Body? | Northwestern Medicine
Folic acid is vital for a baby's health. Without enough folic acid, the neural tube may not develop properly, resulting in spina bifida or other birth defects.
4
Article
Folic acid for the prevention of neural tube defects. American Academy of Pediatrics. Committee on Genetics - PubMed
The American Academy of Pediatrics endorses the US Public Health Service (USPHS) recommendation that all women capable of becoming pregnant consume 400 microgram of folicacid daily to preventneuraltubedefects (NTDs). Studies have demonstrated that periconceptional folicacid supplementation ...
5
Article
Introduction - Folic Acid Supplementation to Prevent Neural Tube Defects: A Limited Systematic Review Update for the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force - NCBI Bookshelf
High levels of folic acid supplementation (4 mg) have been found to reduce the risk of recurrent NTDs by more than 70 percent, and even more modest levels of folic acid supplementation (0.4 mg) reduce the first occurrence of NTDs.22 The mechanism by which folate reduces the risk of NTDs is ...