Benefits of Folic Acid for Women
Folic acid is used by our bodies for proper cell growth, and it’s especially important for women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Follow along with Centrum and learn about the benefits of folic acid for women.
What is folic acid, and how can it benefit women?
Folic acid, a B-vitamin, is the synthetic form of folate used in supplements and in fortified foods. This vitamin helps the body produce healthy new cells.[1]
While folic acid is important for everyone, it’s especially important for women who are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. During early development in pregnancy, folic acid helps form the brain and spine in the embryo. According to the CDC, all women of reproductive age should get the recommended amount of folic acid each day. Here’s why:
- About 50% of pregnancies in the U.S. are unplanned.
- Research has shown that folic acid can help support neural tube development and may lower the chance of birth defects.[5]
- Formation of the baby’s brain or spine occur very early in pregnancy, oftentimes before a woman knows she is pregnant.[2]
- By the time a woman finds out she is pregnant, it may be too late to prevent brain and spine birth defects if she hasn’t been consuming the daily recommended amount of folic acid.[1]
Taking a prenatal supplement like Centrum’s PreNatal Multivitamin Gummies starting three months before conception can help women get enough folic acid.[5] Each Centrum PreNatal gummy contains folic acid to support fetal brain and spinal cord development, along with 10 additional nutrients to support your pregnancy and the baby’s development*
If you’re in the middle of transitioning from pregnant to a new mom, try Centrum’s PostNatal Multivitamin Gummies to support your needs after pregnancy.
Even if pregnancy is not a concern, folic acid is important: adequate intake supports heart health and the production of healthy red blood cells.[3] Folic acid supports healthy cell growth and function and is an important part of red blood cell formation. It also works with vitamins B-6 and B-12 to help regulate the level of homocysteine in the blood and studies show that a high level of homocysteine might be linked to heart disease.[5]
What are the benefits of folic acid for women?
While folic acid is important for everyone, it’s especially important for women who are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. During early development in pregnancy, folic acid helps form the brain and spine in the embryo. According to the CDC, all women of reproductive age should get the recommended amount of folic acid each day. Here’s why:
- About 50% of pregnancies in the U.S. are unplanned.
- Formation of the baby’s brain or spine occur very early in pregnancy, oftentimes before a woman knows she is pregnant.[2]
- By the time a woman finds out she is pregnant, it may be too late to prevent brain and spine birth defects if she hasn’t been consuming the daily recommended amount of folic acid.[1]
It’s important to note that when taking folic acid, a higher daily dose than recommended is not advised unless a doctor recommends increasing the dosage.[2]
Even if pregnancy is not a concern, folic acid is important. Adequate intake supports heart health and the production of healthy red blood cells.[3]
What is the recommended daily amount of folic acid?
The U.S. government recommends that all women get 400 micrograms (mcg) of folate daily, equivalent to 240 mcg of folic acid. Women who could become pregnant should consume 400-800 mcg.[4]
What are the main sources of folic acid?
Eating foods rich in folate is important but it can be difficult to maintain a diet that meets the daily recommended amount of folic acid. Your doctor may advise taking a daily supplement or multivitamin that contains folic acid as well.
Foods high in folate include:
- Leafy green vegetables, such as spinach and kale
- Citrus fruits and juices
- Beans and lentils
- Foods labeled “enriched” like breakfast foods, breads, flours, pastas, cornmeal and white rice[1]
By incorporating folic acid rich foods into your daily diet, you’re helping your body work as it should. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about folic acid if you’re considering pregnancy, whether in the near future or down the road.
Regardless of where you are in your pregnancy journey, Centrum is here to support you. Explore more products in our Maternal Health line, including our Morning Sickness Relief Gummies* and more.
*This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
