Possible causes of Birth Defects: from the Folic Acid perspective

Pregnancy is one of life’s natural process in which babies form within a 9-month period.

During pregnancy, baby development goes through diverse stages in order to form and mature properly. Major systems, such as the circulatory system (blood), cardiac system (heart), and nervous system (brain and spinal cord), begin to take place through the first 5 weeks. In addition to that, DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid-double stranded) and RNA (ribonucleic acid- single stranded) start to form simultaneously with red blood cells (RBC). DNA and RNA, which are the genetic material in each cell, are responsible for the production of new cells whereas RBCs are responsible for oxygen transfer and vascularization.

These formations are crucial for baby development especially for the construction of the neural tube, which will later on form the nervous system (baby brain and spinal cord). This tube is highly sensitive and any error that can take place during this process would lead to defects and congenital anomalies.

Why Folic Acid helps prevent Birth Defects:

Folic Acid is considered to be an essential enzyme cofactor that is critical for DNA and RNA synthesis which allows the production of healthy growing and functional new cells. Along with that, this nutrient aids in generation of red blood cells.

This is why it is very crucial for pregnant women to include folic acid in their diet in the early stages as it assists in the proper development of their baby. The nutrient optimizes neural growth during the formation of the nervous system.

The increase in the production of red blood cells provides proper oxygen delivery and vascularization. This minimizes the uprising of neural birth defects, caused by errors in the neural tube or improper closure, either in the brain (anencephaly) or in the spinal cord (spinal bifida).

Also, folic acid may aid in the reduction of other birth defects such as cleft lip and palate (improper formation of the lip) and atrial septal defect (improper closure of a hole in the heart).

Studies have been done in order to confirm the assistance of folic acid in baby development. For example, the article “Folic Acid Supplementation and Pregnancy: More Than Just Neural Tube Defect Prevention” showed valid results that folic acid protects early pregnancy babies from neural defects.

How Folic Acid works for Baby Development during Pregnancy:

Folic acid aids baby development by increasing the number of new cells in the body. Once the nutrient is consumed by the body, it is then transformed into folate (the active biochemical form of folic acid) which can be absorbed by the cells. This happens since the folic acid form cannot be fully consumed by the body and can cause a build-up in the blood.

Folate enters the cells through endocytosis (a process in which the cell engulfs substances outside its membrane). After that, the nutrient can be seen present in the plasma (largest part of the blood) after approximately 15 minutes of oral consumption.

This action aids in the production of the body’s genetic material (DNA (deoxynucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid).

Folic Acid Dosage for Pregnant Woman:

For pregnant women, folic acid is given through capsules or tablets that are consumed orally.

It can also be given in liquid form either injected in the muscle or the skin or given intravenously through the vein, according to the doctor’s orders.

Women should start taking folic acid once they become of reproductive age or when they start planning to get pregnant.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), women, whether planning on getting pregnant or not, should consume around 400 mcg of folic acid every day. CDC recommends the dosage to reach around 4000 mcg of folic acid at least one month before pregnancy and 3 months into the pregnancy to women who have dealt with previous complications. However, dosage should be consulted by the doctor in order to revise the woman’s personal case.

Folic Acid for Birth Defects: precautions

People who have allergies should take precautions and consult a doctor before they begin taking folic acid supplements.

It is possible to have a reaction to folic acid which might lead to skin rash, itching, difficulty breathing, redness.

Interaction with different Medications

Folic acid may interact with different medications and exacerbate certain conditions. Consult your doctor or healthcare provider before taking folic acid supplements if you take the following medication:

• Anticonvulsants medication: such as cerebyx, phenytoin, and primidone- could decrease the concentration of the supplement in your blood.
• Barbiturates medication: could decrease the drug’s effectiveness
• Methotrexate (Trexall) medication: could decrease the drug’s effectiveness
• Pyrimethamine (Daraprim) medication: could decrease the drug’s effectiveness

Folic Acid for Baby Development: side effects

If you take folic acid, some side effects can take place such as nausea, loss of appetite, irritability, and bad breath.