Folic Acid: Folic acid is a crucial B vitamin involved in the creation of nucleic acids, such as DNA and RNA. A deficiency in this vitamin after birth can lead to megaloblastic anemia, characterized by a shortage of red blood cells, which are unusually large and immature (known as blast cells). Insufficient folic acid during pregnancy was initially linked to a higher risk of neural tube defects in babies, affecting the spine and brain, such as spina bifida (meningomyelocele) or anencephaly. Subsequent studies examined the connection between a mother's use of drugs that block folic acid during the first trimester and the occurrence of birth defects. It was discovered that these drugs not only increased the risk of neural tube defects but also heart malformations, cleft lip and palate, and other defects. It is now evident that folic acid significantly reduces the risk of a wide range of birth defects. To effectively prevent these defects, folic acid must be consumed daily, starting before conception and continuing through the first trimester. Raising awareness among women and healthcare providers about the importance of folic acid will require substantial effort, as one study found only 10% of women are aware it should be taken before pregnancy. Furthermore, adequate folic acid intake is essential for maintaining arterial health, potentially lowering the risk of subsequent heart attacks and strokes by reducing levels of certain substances in the blood. Additionally, folic acid may decrease the risk of stomach cancer.
