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Spring Valley Folate

SKU: 094357658623
Original price was: 1,900.00৳ .Current price is: 1,699.00৳ .
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Spring Valley Prenatal

SKU: 124834892
1,890.00৳ 
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Folic Acid: Essential Vitamin B9 for Optimal Health in Bangladesh

Folic acid, also known as Vitamin B9, is a water-soluble vitamin that is essential for cellular function, DNA synthesis, and red blood cell formation. Folate, the natural form, and folic acid, the synthetic form, are required for growth, particularly during pregnancy and infancy. Nutritional deficiencies are prevalent in Bangladesh due to dietary patterns. Therefore, folic acid supplementation is particularly important for maintaining health, especially among pregnant women.

What is Folic Acid?

Folic acid is the synthetic form of folate, a B vitamin. It is used in supplements and fortified foods because it is more stable than natural folate. The body converts folic acid into its active form, tetrahydrofolate, which is required for DNA synthesis, amino acid metabolism, and cell division. Since the body cannot produce folate, it must be obtained through diet or supplements. Diets often lack sufficient quantities of leafy greens, legumes, and fortified grains. Folic acid supplementation can address this nutritional gap and prevent deficiencies that may result in significant health complications.

Key Health Benefits of Folic Acid

  1. Neural Tube Defect Prevention:

    A primary benefit of folic acid is its capacity to reduce the risk of neural tube defects (NTDs) in developing fetuses. Evidence indicates that sufficient folic acid intake before and during early pregnancy significantly decreases the incidence of conditions such as spina bifida and anencephaly. Health organizations globally, including those in Bangladesh, recommend that women of childbearing age consume a daily supplement of 400 micrograms of folic acid to prevent these serious birth defects.

  2. Promoting Healthy Pregnancy:

    In addition to preventing neural tube defects, folic acid supports normal fetal development by reducing the risk of premature birth and low birth weight. Research indicates that maternal folate supplementation enhances placental function and fetal growth. Given the high prevalence of underweight births and maternal malnutrition, adequate folic acid intake during pregnancy is particularly critical.

  3. Support for Red Blood Cell Production:

    Folic acid is required for healthy red blood cell production. Deficiency can cause megaloblastic anemia, leading to fatigue, weakness, pallor, and shortness of breath. Since anemia is common in Bangladesh, adequate folate intake is important to help address this issue.

  4. Heart Health:

    Folate is involved in the metabolism of homocysteine, an amino acid associated with increased cardiovascular disease risk when present at elevated levels. Folic acid supplementation can reduce homocysteine concentrations, thereby lowering the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular conditions. These risks are increasing among older adults, highlighting the potential benefit of folic acid supplementation.

  5. Mental Health and Cognitive Function:

    Folate deficiency is associated with an increased risk of depression and cognitive decline. Adequate folate is required for the synthesis of serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in mood regulation. Evidence suggests that folic acid supplementation may alleviate symptoms of depression, particularly when combined with other B vitamins such as B12. This is especially relevant in Bangladesh, where mental health disorders frequently remain undiagnosed or untreated.

Folic Acid Deficiency in Bangladesh

A significant proportion of the population in Bangladesh is at risk of folic acid deficiency due to diets lacking green leafy vegetables, legumes, and fortified grains. Deficiency can result in several major health issues, including anemia, characterized by fatigue and weakness.
  • Neural tube defects in newborns.
  • Impaired DNA synthesis affects cell division and growth.
  • Increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

Sources of Folic Acid

Natural sources of folate include:
  • Leafy greens (spinach, mustard greens)
  • Legumes (lentils, chickpeas, beans)
  • Fruits (oranges, bananas, avocados)
  • Whole grains (brown rice, oats)
  • Fortified cereals and bread
Limited dietary diversity and food availability often result in inadequate folate intake. Consequently, women of reproductive age are frequently advised to take folic acid supplements to meet daily requirements.

The Role of Folic Acid Fortification:

Bangladesh, along with many other countries, has implemented folic acid fortification of staple foods such as wheat flour to address the deficiency. However, additional public health initiatives are required to increase awareness of folic acid supplementation. Enhancing maternal education in conjunction with these measures can reduce the incidence of birth defects and other folate-related health conditions.

Recommended Dosages for Folic Acid

The recommended daily intake of folic acid varies based on age and health status:
  • Adults: 400 micrograms
  • Pregnant women: 600 micrograms
  • Women planning to conceive: 400 micrograms daily
  • Children: Varies from 150 to 400 micrograms depending on age
Many people may not get enough folic acid from food. Supplements can help reach recommended levels and ensure better health.

Conclusion

Folic acid supplements are important for pregnancy health, preventing anemia, and protecting heart health. Fortification efforts and health education can address widespread folate deficiency, especially for pregnant women and children. Improving access to folate-rich foods and supplements can reduce birth defects, anemia, and health problems from folate deficiency.

Key Takeaways:

  • Folic acid is vital for DNA synthesis, red blood cell production, and heart health.
  • It is particularly important for pregnant women to prevent neural tube defects in babies.
  • Folic acid fortification programs are key in reducing deficiency and improving public health outcomes.

References:

  1. Crider, K. S., Cordero, A. M., Qi, Y. P., et al. (2013). Prenatal folic acid and risk of birth defects in children. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
  2. De Wals, P., Tairou, F., Van Allen, M. I., et al. (2007). Reduction in neural-tube defects after folic acid fortification in Canada. The New England Journal of Medicine.
  3. National Institutes of Health (2023). Folate: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. Retrieved from NIH Website.