Health Tips for October 25

Health Tip: The Importance of Folic Acid

Folic acid is particularly important for pregnant women, and should be taken, if possible, beginning at least three months before they become pregnant. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says this B vitamin can reduce the risk of major birth defects affecting the spine and brain by as much as 70 percent. Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should take 400 micrograms of folic acid daily. It can be contained within a multivitamin, or as a separate supplement. Women also can get folic acid in fortified breakfast cereal. Just make sure the cereal has 100 percent of the recommended daily amount. Health Tip: Help Prevent Birth Defects While the cause of many birth defects remains a mystery, doctors do understand what causes many others -- and how to prevent them. The Minnesota Department of Health says before and during pregnancy, you should: Eat foods with a high folate content, or foods enriched with folic acid. A folic acid deficiency can lead to a type of birth defect called a neural tube defect. To prevent this, good dietary choices are green leafy veggies, dried beans, oranges and orange juice, and fortified breads, pastas and cereals. Before pregnancy and while you're pregnant, take a daily multivitamin that includes at least 400 micrograms of folic acid. See your doctor for a checkup before you are pregnant, and get regular pre-natal care throughout your pregnancy. Stop drinking alcohol while you're trying to conceive, and never drink alcohol during pregnancy. Make sure the medicines you take are safe during pregnancy. Check with your doctor.