Vitamin B12 Just as important as Folic Acid?

Hopefully by now we have all heard about the amazing effects of taking a folic acid supplement during pregnancy to prevent neural tube birth defects.

Not only is it beneficial to take a daily folic acid supplement (containing at least 400micrograms) while you are pregnant, it is JUST as important important for EVERY WOMAN OF CHILDBEARING AGE to be taking a multivitamin containing Folic Acid or a supplement daily - pregnant or not.

Folic Acid's miracle effects are most useful in preventing neural tube defects during the first few weeks of pregnancy. (During the time most women aren't even aware they are pregnant.) So it is very important for you to be taking folic acid even if you are not pregnant at the time (half of all births are unplanned in the US)!
Research suggests taking Folic Acid 1 year prior to getting pregnant reduces your risk of preterm birth by at least HALF! Folic acid supplements should be continued throughout pregnancy to ensure mom is producing enough extra bloodcells and it also promotes rapid growth of the placenta and fetus.

New research by The US Dept of Health and Human services suggests that lower levels of Vitamin B12 in pregnant women has shown an increase of neural tube birth defects in comparison to women with normal levels of vitamin B12. Now the women who were taking a prenatal/multi vitamin containing a vitamin B12 supplement had a much lower occurence of birth defects.

There are many different types of multi vitamins and supplements out there but if you are of child bearing age these two vitamins can help save your next baby from neurall tube defects. Check the label of your vitamins carefully, see if they have the recommended daily value of Folic Acid and Vitamin B12, if not supplement with them. You never know when you'll need it!

SOURCES:
Feel free to read details of this study at:

http://www.nih.gov/news/health/mar2009/nichd-02.htm

Folic Acid Facts and Information
http://www.marchofdimes.com/professionals/14332_1151.asp#head1

This site is very comprehensive and explains all of the benefits of taking folic acid and which foods contain Folic Acid

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