Iron and folic acid are essential for healthy red blood cells and preventing anemia. During pregnancy, they are crucial for the health of the mother and developing fetus, and a deficiency can cause birth defects. Foods rich in these nutrients and supplements can prevent anemia and improve infant mortality rates.
Iron and folic acid play crucial roles in maintaining healthy red blood cells that carry oxygen throughout the body. A deficiency in iron or folic acid can cause anemia, which occurs when too few red blood cells are produced or there is not enough hemoglobin in each cell to carry oxygen. Folic acid helps make new cells and is not stored in the body.
During pregnancy, sources of iron and folic acid are vital to prevent anemia in the mother and ensure a healthy child. The body’s need for iron is greatest during pregnancy, and it is important that the developing fetus receive enough oxygen. A folic acid deficiency while a woman is pregnant can also cause birth defects in the offspring. These supplements are commonly prescribed as part of prenatal care to ensure a healthy baby.
Folic acid, one of the B vitamins, is especially important before conception and during the first 12 weeks of gestation. A deficiency of folic acid is linked to spina bifida in infants, a condition in which the neural tubes in the spinal cord do not fuse properly. Deficiencies can also lead to an increased risk of heart disease in an adult.
Foods rich in folic acid include dark green vegetables, peas, beans, and peanuts. Nutritionists suggest steaming or using very little water when cooking raw vegetables because cooking depletes much of the folic acid. Citrus fruits and juices provide other sources of folic acid, along with oral supplements.
Iron intake can also be increased through diet. A good source of iron easily absorbed by the body comes from lean and red meat. Some foods are rich in folic acid and iron and are recommended during pregnancy, such as peas, beans, and dried fruits. A diet rich in iron and folic acid, along with supplements, can prevent anemia in childbearing years and beyond.
A study reported by the World Health Organization found that almost half of women worldwide suffer from anemia. Research found that supplements containing iron and folic acid reduce infant mortality rates and the number of low birth weight babies. Long-term benefits were also measured, following the children until they were seven years old. Children of women who used iron and folic acid during pregnancy showed better growth rates than children of mothers who received a placebo vitamin.
Anemia commonly develops from a lack of iron- and folate-containing foods in the diet. Some blood disorders and medications that prevent the absorption of these nutrients are other culprits. Symptoms of anemia include paleness, faintness, and tiredness. A simple blood test can reveal if someone is anemic, and supplements can correct the disorder.
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