What is the role of folic acid?

Folic acid is involved in many functions but especially in the formation of red blood cells and in the normal development of the neural tube - the structure that becomes the brain and spinal cord in the foetus.

It is therefore necessary to increase your intake of folic acid both before and during pregnancy.

Eat a wide variety of folate-rich foods every day.
A folic acid supplement (0.5mg daily)

is encouraged 1 month before conception and during the first 3 months of pregnancy.

Women with a close family history of neural tube defects should speak to their doctor about taking a higher dose folic acid supplement.

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