Falling pregnant, or making the decision to start trying for a baby is one of the most exciting things that any couple or person can experience. There is always so much to take into consideration and the advice you read online can often feel overwhelming. We get it!
However, there are a few things which you cannot afford to miss out on and that are extremely crucial to a healthy and successful pregnancy; one of those things being folate supplements.
At Zita West, we have formulated this new folate supplement that is cruelty-free, vegan, and yeast-free and is recommended by the NHS. Connect with us on Instagram to find out more!
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What is a folate supplement?
A folate supplement is a dietary supplement that contains folate, which is a vitamin B known for importantly contributing to the proper functioning of red blood cell formation, cell growth and repair, DNA synthesis and pregnancy and fetal development.
You can access folate supplements in the form of tablets, capsules or liquid form. They may contain folic acid, the synthetic form of folate, or natural forms of folate, such as 5-methyltetrahydrofolate.
Who should take folate supplements?
Before we get stuck into this, it is important to note that you should consult your GP/doctor before taking any supplements. This blog is by no means a substitute for the medical advice that you can receive from a medical professional. You can then start taking a folate supplement once you have received the green light from your doctor.
The groups of people that may benefit from taking a folate supplement include women who want to start the process of falling pregnant, women who are already pregnant, anaemic people, people with sickle cell or Crohn’s disease, and people with inflammatory bowel disease or kidney disease.
How much folate should you take?
The recommended daily folate intake for adults is 400 micrograms (mcg). However, pregnant women and women who are trying to fall pregnant should aim for 600 mcg of folate per day.
Folate does not only need to be taken through supplementation but can also be found in your diet and by eating foods such as:
- dark green leafy vegetables
- beans
- peas
- nuts
- fortified cereals and breads
If, however, you are not receiving enough folate from your diet, you would usually start introducing a folate supplement. If you are considering taking a folate supplement, talk to your doctor about the right dosage for you.
Folate for fertility and pregnancy
Folic acid and active folate are two different forms of vitamin B9, but they are often used interchangeably. Folate is the more bioavailable form, meaning that it is more easily absorbed and used by the body.
Quatrefolic® is a brand of active folate that we use in our folate supplements. It is more readily absorbed by the body than folic acid, so we recommend it over folic acid.
Folate is essential for the proper development of the fetal brain and spine. Most neural tube defects, such as spina bifida and anencephaly, occur in the first three to four weeks of pregnancy; this is often before the woman even knows she is pregnant. This is why it is important to start taking a folate supplement before you become pregnant.
Check out our new folate supplement today!