Two new studies indicate that women of childbearing ages, especially those between 18 and 24, are not taking folic acid. A minimum of 400 mcg per day of folic acid is recommended to prevent possible birth defects if they become pregnant.To be effective for the prevention of birth defects, folic acid supplementation should begin before pregnancy occurs, not after the woman becomes aware she is pregnant.
The studies found that less than 48 percent of women aged 18-45 took a supplement containing folic acid. Less than 30% of women aged 24 or younger took a supplement containing folic acid, though 61 percent said they knew they should. Only six percent of these young women indicated they had adequate knowledge about the need for the supplement, it was reported.
Authors of one of the studies, by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, wrote: "These findings warrant the continued promotion of folic acid consumption among all women of childbearing age and especially among women aged 18 to 24 years.... Folic acid education that promotes consumption of folic acid from various sources, in addition to foods rich in folate, can increase the possibility of all women consuming the recommended daily amount of 400 micrograms."
Complementary Medicine | Natural Health | Nutrition | Herbal Supplements | Nutritional Supplements | Dr. David Ross, ND, CNHP | DrDavidRoss.com
No comments:
Post a Comment