All you need to know about : Folic acid

 

Folic Acid:

👉Folic acid is a B vitamin. Our bodies use it to make new cells. Think about the skin, hair, and nails. These–and other parts of the body – make new cells each day. Folic acid is the synthetic (that is, not generally occurring naturally) form of folate used in supplements and in fortified foods such as rice, pasta, bread, and some breakfast cereals.

Why folic acid is important before and during pregnancy ??

👉When the baby is developing early during pregnancy, folic acid helps form the neural tube. Folic acid is very important because it can help prevent some major birth defects of the baby’s brain and spine.

Are folate and folic acid the same thing?

👉The terms “folate” and “folic acid” are often used interchangeably, even though they are different. Folate is a general term to describe many different types of vitamin B9.

 

Types of folate can include:

 

Dihydrofolate (DHF)

Tetrahydrofolate (THF)

5, 10-methylenetetrahydrofolate (5, 10-Methylene-THF)

5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-Methyl-THF or 5-MTHF)

👉Food fortification is a way to add vitamins or minerals, or both, to foods. Some rice, pasta, bread, and breakfast cereals are fortified with folic acid. These foods are labeled “enriched.” Folic acid is a specific type of folate that does not generally occur naturally.