Folic Acid Awareness
(Boomboom)

Folic Acid is a Vitamin-B that is necessary for proper cell growth. As a result of this,
it is often recommended for pregnant women. If continuous intake is done during early pregnancy
period, even before that, then around 70% of birth defects called neural tube defects can be prevented.
Neural Tube defects are affects many children. The most common form of NTD is spina bifida.
This can cause paralysis in children. Some type of NTD like Anencephaly affects brain and proves
fatal in almost all cases.

According to the United States Public Heath Service all women of child bearing age
should take 0.04 milligrams of folic acid daily to prevent any NTD to their child during pregnancy.
Folic Acid can be found naturally in many foods. But natural folic acid is difficult to get absorbed
in a human body than the synthetic version. Hence from 1998, Food and Drug administration made it
compulsory to add synthetic folic acid to various food items like breads and cereals.

Folic Acid also helps in prevention of various forms of cancer. It also helps in preventing
blocked arteries and can even prevent Alzheimer's Disease.

January 5th – 11th is designated as National Folic Acid Awareness Week.

Some links:

http://www.folicacidinfo.org/
www.spinabifidaassociation.org
http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/folicacid/council.htm
http://www.marchofdimes.com/pnhec/173_769.asp

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