How many of us know all the benefits of taking folic acid when you are trying to have a baby or are already expecting a baby? Many of you are probably only aware of the effects it has on decreasing the risk of a baby born with neural tube defects. Many of you may also feel that only women need to take folic acid/folate when trying to have a baby.
I have found there are many more benefits to taking folic acid/folate and it is actually recommended for both men and women when trying to conceive. So sit back, relax, and be prepared to learn something new that you can implement today.
Precaution
Vitamins and minerals do not work in isolation.
The main focus for these two blogs is to have a better understanding of folic acid/folate and its role to health and prenatal health. It is always optimal to have a diet with a balance of all vitamins and minerals.
Infertility
Zinc is one of the essential vitamins needed for sperm production and the synthesis (production of chemical compounds by reaction from simpler materials) of testosterone in the testes. Zinc’s highest concentration levels have been found in sperm and the prostate gland. The prostate gland contributes to men’s reproductive capability.
Pulling it in with folic acid/folate, zinc works with folic acid/folate in the synthesis of DNA molecules produced in sperm. In a study infertile men with low sperm count showed a 74% increase in sperm after daily intake of zinc and folic acid.
Studies have shown a reduction in the occurrence of ovulatory infertility, including Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) in women who take multivitamins with B vitamins and especially folic acid/folate.
Studies have also shown that women who supplements B vitamins reduced homocystein levels and improved pregnancy rates more than metformin in women who had PCOS.
Infertility may occur in women with celiac disease due to intestinal wall damage resulting in vitamin deficiency. When there is such damage the body does not absorb many vitamins involved in fertility such as folic acid/folate, iron, vitamin D, and vitamin K (to name a few). Talk to your doctor about finding out how low your levels are and the doses you should be taking so you are no longer deficient in these vitamins. Women who were infertile due to nutritional deficiency were able to conceive when these levels were increased.
Miscarriages
Folic acid/folate work with vitamins B6 and B12 to support the biochemical processes that need to take place for protein metabolism. Folic acid/folate, B6, and B12 work together to prevent the overproduction of non-amino acid protein, homocysteine.
High levels of homocystein have been identified in early miscarriages.
A study demonstrated that women who have adequate folic acid/folate and iron have a reduced rate of miscarriages by half when compared to women who are deficient with these nutrients.
Since we are on the subject here is some bonus info:
Women who are deficient in vitamin B12 have also shown higher occurrences of miscarriages and issues with fertility.
Pregnancy
As mentioned in Folic Acid/Folate Part 1, folic acid/folate is highly involved when the body is creating new healthy cells and tissues. During pregnancy folic acid/folate plays a very vital role in the implementation, development, and yes the foundational health of the placenta. The placenta; much like all other organs in the body develop from a single cell. When folic acid/folate levels are low, women run the risk of the placenta detaching from the uterus (placenta abruption). This is dangerous for both the mother and the developing baby.
Having adequate amounts of folic acid/folate during the second trimester lower the risk of developing preeclampsia.
Women who have too high levels of homocystein levels in the body have shown an increase risk to preeclampsia. Keep in mind homocystein levels are not the only risk factor for developing preeclampsia but folic acid with B6 and B12 work together to decrease the overproduction of homocystein.
Folic acid/folate works with iron to prevent and overcome iron deficient anemia.
Restless leg syndrome has also been shown to help reduce symptoms of restless leg syndrome during pregnancy.
Folic acid/folate works with vitamin b12 to increase energy production when struggling with fatigue during and after pregnancy. I have read that 5,000mcg of B12 is safe to take but it is always best to talk to your doctor for individual needs for any supplement. As I mentioned before everyone is very different in their nutritional needs.
Fetal Development
Research has shown that women who take folic acid and/or get enough folate in their diet, starting from the 3 months or even the beginning of their cycle before the one they are trying to conceive and for twelve weeks after conception, as being the most effective to decrease the risks of birth defects associated with this folic acid/folate vitamin deficiency. The next best thing is to start including it when you find out you are pregnant.
Through the years there has also been an increase in the acceptance of the possibility that homocysteine being the actual cause of neural tube defects. Remember like anything else too much of anything can be harmful. This is one of the effects of an overabundance of homocysteine in the body.
Birth defects associated with folic acid/folate deficiency:
Neural Tube defects, cleft palate, cleft lip, spina bifida, brain damage, low infant birth weight, preterm delivery, congenital heart disease, reduction in the rate of fetal growth, limb formation defects, anencephaly (Type of Neural tube defect resulting in the absence of a major portion of the brain, skull, and scalp), omphalocoele (defect of intestines and umbilical cord), and urinary tract defects.
Making sure you are getting enough vitamins during pregnancy has shown a decrease in childhood brain cancers and leukemia. Research has demonstrated this in women starting from the first and second trimester, and especially the third trimester (50% reduction rate).
The newest findings show that is may also play a role in the development of Down syndrome. Research is demonstrating that women who genetically have an inability to use folic acid/folate properly also have an increase in homocystein levels as well as the an increased risk of having a child with Down Syndrome.
Where to find more information:
http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/supplement/vitamin-b9-folic-acid
http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/folate-HealthProfessional/
Book: Fertility, Cycles, & Nutrition Self-care for improved cycles and fertility….naturally! By Marilyn M. Shannon
Another great resource to learn more about folate is What Is Folate? – The Benefits of Vitamin B9 for Your Heart, Brain and DNA by Helen Sanders