Preventing Spina Bifida by supplementing with Folic Acid.

Can I remind women to take care of themselves and their families with a reminder regarding preventing Spina Bifida. We had a major public health campaign a few years ago but recent study shows that a reminder might be helpful. Mention it to friends, daughters, daughters-in-law and nieces where appropriate.

Eating steamed greens is good for all ages so

Steam those Greens.

Three out of four women in Dublin do not have enough folic acid to prevent Spina Bifida in their babies according to a recent University College Dublin Study at the Coombe Maternity Hospital.

Eighty families each year in Ireland cope with the distress of dealing with this condition affecting one of their own. Spina Bifida affects the spinal cord and can cause paralysis.

Ireland has a particularly high incidence of Spina Bifida. Many cases can be prevented by supplementing with Folic Acid for at least 3 months before you try to conceive and while you are trying to get pregnant. Continue the supplement throughout the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.

‘Fol’ in folic acid is the Latin for ‘leaf’ and this vitamin is high in green leaves. Folic acid (known as folate in its natural form) is one of the B-group vitamins.

There is more folic acid remaining in steamed leaves rather than boiled leaves.

It can be hard to get all the folic acid consistently in your diet so it is recommended to take 400 micrograms per day continuously if you are not using relatively foolproof contraception.

A lack of folic acid could lead to anaemia.

What does Folic Acid do?

•         It works together with vitamin B12 to form healthy red blood cells

•         It helps to reduce the risk of central nervous system defects, such as spina bifida, in unborn babies

Herb sources of Folic Acid.

Nettle leaf is loaded with folic acid and calcium, lots of minerals, and tons of vitamins, including E. It strengthens hair, blood vessels, and the kidney/adrenal complex. It is considered as safe as kale.

Food sources of Folic acid

Folate is found in small amounts in many foods including:

•         broccoli

•         brussels sprouts

•         kale

•         liver

•         spinach

•         asparagus

•         peas

•         chickpeas

•         fortified breakfast cereals.

Folic acid cannot be stored in the body, so you need it in your diet every day.