Folic acid is an essential nutrient during pregnancy, especially at the initial stages of foetus development. It supports the proper growth of your placenta and unborn baby and helps prevent several birth defects. If you are trying to conceive, start consuming folic acid pregnancy tablets to ensure a healthy pregnancy.

With so many choices available, how do you select the right folic acid tablets? This blog will help you understand the importance of folic acid, recommended dosages and the best type for conception.

Why is folic acid so crucial during pregnancy?

Folic acid for pregnancy is vital as it supports the development of the baby’s brain and spinal cord. It helps the formation of red blood cells, supports cell growth and prevents birth defects such as spina bifida and anencephaly. As these changes occur during the initial weeks of pregnancy – usually before a woman even realizes she is pregnant – taking folic acid pregnancy tablets in advance is essential.

How much folic acid should I take?

The simplest way of ensuring the right amount of folic acid is through your diet. Health professionals suggest that women who are planning to conceive or are in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy should take at least 400 mcg (0.4 mg) of folic acid daily. Women who had a history of NTDs in past pregnancies or have specific medical conditions might need a higher dose, as recommended by a doctor.  Folic acid is a water-soluble vitamin hence ‘overdose’ is not a concern if you are taking an extra folic acid tablet. Although folic acid may vary from person to person, pregnant women must consult their doctors about taking folic acid for pregnancy according to their pregnancy needs.

Types of folic acid

While selecting the folic acid pregnancy tablets, you must know about different types of folic acids, such as –

• Synthetic folic acid- Most folic acid tablets contain this easily absorbable form of folic acid.
• Methyl-folate- It is a normal, active form of folic acid. This type of folic acid is best for women with MTHFR gene mutation who are not able to process synthetic folic acid properly.
• Folic Acid from food sources- Folic acid can also be found in foods such as green leafy vegetables, fortified foods and citrus fruits. It supports the overall health and well-being of the mother and baby. However, it is not sufficient to get adequate folic acid from food sources, thus taking folic acid pregnancy tablets is good for healthy pregnancy.

Leading folic acid pregnancy tablets

Here are some of the top folic acid tablets for women who are trying to conceive-

1.      Trimacare prenatal vitamin tablets- Trimacare is India’s first and safest multivitamin tablet containing folic acid for pregnancy. It is specially designed to deliver trimester-wise care and bridge nutritional gaps during pregnancy. Trimacare is uniquely crafted by medical experts adhering to the guidelines set up by WHO and ICMR. Trimacare folic acid tablet contains l-methyl folate the more advanced and 7 times more bioavailable form of folic acid. It is even suitable for those who have an MTHFR gene mutation. Trimacare is strongly recommended by leading doctors in the country.

2. Thorne Research basic tablets – These folic acid tablets contain methyl folate which is an active form of folic acid. It also has other essential nutrients along with folic acid.
3. Nature-made folic acid- It is an affordable folic acid pregnancy tablet widely available over the counter. It contains 400mcg of folic acid as required during pregnancy.
4. Folvite- Folvite is one of the leading folic acid tablets in India. It contains 5mg of folic acid, which prevents congenital disabilities and ensures proper development of the baby’s brain and spine.

Conclusion-

Choosing the best folic acid pregnancy tablets usually depends on your body’s needs and condition during pregnancy. Whether you take l-methyl folate, synthetic folic acid or natural folate, the most important thing is to start early and take the recommended dosage.

Consult your doctor to determine the appropriate folic acid tablets that suit your body and their dosages during pregnancy.

Source url - https://reviewsconsumerreports.net/news/which-folic-acid-is-best-for-getting-pregnant