Folic Acid: The Vitamin for All

by Christian Velasco | Reprimo

If the world believes that the youth are the future and hope of the nation, then it is just right to be the society’s responsibility to take care of them. According to the United Nations, around 7.8 million infants are born with birth defects each year in the whole world. Among these, only 75% of the kids born with a severe congenital heart defect (CHD) are anticipated to live for at least one year. In the Philippines, birth abnormalities are among the top 20 significant causes of death throughout their lifetime. According to the World Health Organization, they are the seventh most prominent cause of newborn mortality.

One of the most prominent birth defects is the Neural Tube Defects (NTDs) that cause the failure to correctly close the neural tube. The neural tube is responsible for the development of the early brain and spine. These birth abnormalities manifest themselves exceptionally early in pregnancy, frequently before the mother is even aware that she is expecting a child.. The two most frequent NTDs are spina bifida (a lesion in the spinal cord) and anencephaly (an abnormality in the brain or a brain defect).

With the help of science and technology, scientists have synthesized a B vitamin that can guard major neural tube abnormalities (NTDs) that can impair the baby's spinal cord and brain, such as spina bifida and anencephaly in unborn babies. This vitamin is also called folic acid or folate, which is a water-soluble B vitamin (B9) that reduces the likelihood of neural tube defects (NTDs) before and during pregnancy and it also reduces the possibility of a baby being born with facial clefts (cleft lip or cleft palate). It is a substance that is closely associated with critical activities of the body, such as red blood cell formation, RNA and DNA synthesis and repair, and especially in crucial periods of embryonic development.

Folic acid is required for DNA synthesis, cell growth and development, and the production of new tissues. It contributes significantly to the body's natural capacity to prevent aberrant cell proliferation, which is thought to be connected with various malignancies or even cancer. Folic acid is required one month before conception and during the first trimester (the first three months of pregnancy). This need occurs even before a woman is aware that she is pregnant.

Neural Tube Defects (NTDs)

According to studies, women who consume 400 micrograms (0.4 milligrams) of Vitamin B9 daily before conception and throughout early pregnancy reduce their baby's risk of being born with a significant neural tube abnormality such as:

• spina bifida (incomplete closure of the spinal cord and spinal column); 

• encephalocele (brain tissue protrudes out to the skin from an abnormal opening of the skull); and 

• anencephaly (severe underdevelopment of the brain).

Birth defects of the brain and spine, known as neural tube defects, occur in the first month of pregnancy. There are serious long-term complications that can arise as a result of these flaws, including death and paralysis.

Sources of Folic Acid

Naturally, folic acid can be found predominantly in leafy green vegetables and legumes. 

The following vegetables are naturally high in folate: leafy greens (including spinach), okra, asparagus, certain fruits (including berries), beans, yeast, mushrooms, liver, and kidney from animals, orange juice, and tomato juice. It is frequently used in conjunction with other B vitamins to enhance absorption. 

Nowadays, it can also be found on various foods, such as cold cereals, flour, bread, pasta, bakery items, cookies, and crackers. In the United Kingdom, folic acid is added to flour to help reduce birth abnormalities. It can also be found in multivitamins and prenatal vitamins, as well as supplements containing additional B-complex vitamins.

There is a compelling need for a comprehensive public education effort to raise awareness of the necessity of folic acid supplementation among women of reproductive age (ages 14 and older) as there is a low level of awareness about the need for folic acid supplementation.

Everyone—regardless of age and gender—needs folic acid. According to Felman (2020), consuming proper folic acid levels is essential towards better health. For all individuals, it is recommended to take 300 to 400 mcg of folic acid a day. However, a pregnant woman needs extra folic acid throughout pregnancy to help her produce the additional blood cells and support the rapid growth of the placenta and fetus. Pregnant women should take folic acid supplements of 600 mcg per day while for nursing mothers, it is advisable to take 500 mcg of folic acid. Exceeding the recommended dosage of folic acid is not advisable unless specifically instructed by a healthcare professional.

Meanwhile, taking folic acid by mouth at the recommended dosages for children is highly safe. The daily upper limit for folic acid for children is a maximum of 400 micrograms per day. The maximum is 300 mcg for children 1-3 years of age, 400 mcg for ages 4-8, 600 mcg for ages 9-13 and 800 mcg for ages 14-18.

Campaigning for Folic Acid Awareness

With our shared humanity, we encourage the government and non-government organizations to participate and engage in protecting the peoples’ health and wellbeing, especially with VYLH’s campaigns for the awareness about the need for folic acid supplementation in one’s diet.

“Ang Kalusugan ni Baby, Nagsisimula kay Mommy”

In advocating for folate-rich diets, increasing folic acid consumption, and encouraging regular prenatal check-ups will help beat the prevailing health issues faced by mothers and children alike. In order to uphold the famous quote “kabataan ang pag-asa ng bayan”, we must first ensure their health and help secure a bright future for them by educating other Filipino families and youth about the relevance of this campaign.

Statistics show that approximately three million children under the age of five die each year as a consequence of undernutrition. A child's failure to acquire enough nutrients throughout their early years may result in a child's poor cognitive function, as well as a decline in their capacity to succeed in school and the workplace. From the time they are born, infants must be given enough nutrition and protection from disease. In addition, we must also take into account the child's preconception phases of health. Child health and nutrition should be a top priority for parents since children under the age of two have an increased risk of infection, while unborn babies have an increased risk of NTDs during preconception stages. Folic acid consumption before and throughout pregnancy may help avoid some forms of neural tube birth abnormalities by up to 70 percent if the proper dose is taken. With proper folic acid supplementation, the survival of the babies may be secured. Filipinos should begin taking folic acid immediately if they value their own well-being and are concerned about the well-being of their future children. A family's hopes and dreams will be fulfilled.

“Having a healthy family equates to wealth.”

Individuals need to be aware of the steps they need to take in order to keep a healthy body and mind. To care for people in our area, we must first take care of ourselves. We must learn and practice the principles of eating healthfully, getting enough water in, getting enough sleep at the correct times, and taking folic acid. The worst thing we can do for our well-being is to deny ourselves of a healthy lifestyle. We can all work together to achieve good health if we put our minds to it and remember how to place an adequate value on our own lives. Good health is not a fantasy. All you need is a healthy dose of self-worth and self-esteem to get started and care for the future.