Folic Acid

Advice from the CRG We strongly recommend  to all women trying to get pregnant (even by natural way) to take a supplement of 0.4mg of folic acid daily. Of that medicine it is proven that it decreases the risk of the child developing Spina Bifeda. The best daily dose is 0.4mg at least four weeks before pregnancy. If you are carrying twins, the dose should be increased to 4mg daily. You continue with the pills during pregnancy as well as during breastfeeding.

What is it en what does it do?

Folic Acid is a vitamin and belongs to the so-called Vitamin B complex. It is mainly found in vegetables (spinach, broccoli, sprouts) and in smaller amounts in bread and dairy products. Most is lost when vegetables are cooked. UHT dairy products however, retain most of their Folic acid.

Various studies have shown that a pregnant womans' body requires almost double that amount. Additionally, women who are attempting to become pregnant should take an extra supplement of 0.4mg per day to decrease the risk of the child developing Spina Bifeda. The taking of folic acid reduces the risk by almost half.

In Europe, 10.000 babies are born every day with some form of neurological defect. This regularly leads to serious motoric handicaps. In Belgium the incidence is currently around 10 in 10.000 births.

Apart from reducing the risks discussed above, other benefits include a reduction in morning sickness during the first weeks of pregnancy and possibly a reduced risk of premature birth.

Folic acid is also believed to reduce the risk of heart and urinary defects in the baby. All things considered, folic acid should not be omitted from your diet if you are planning a pregnancy.