Prenatal nutrition is essential to ensure the health and development of both mother and baby throughout pregnancy. Among the various nutrients required during this critical period, folic acid is one of the most important. Known for its role in preventing birth defects and ensuring healthy fetal development, folic acid is a key component of prenatal care. As the body undergoes rapid changes during pregnancy, maintaining adequate levels of essential vitamins, particularly folic acid, is vital for a healthy pregnancy and overall well-being.
Folic acid, a form of vitamin B9, plays a crucial role in the early development of the fetus, particularly in the formation of the neural tube, which later becomes the baby's brain and spinal cord. However, not all forms of folic acid are absorbed by the body in the same way. This is where bioavailable folic acid, known as 5-MTHF, becomes essential. Supplements such as Plusbaby's +mum and +fertiwomen contain this active form, providing essentialFolic acid PregnancyThis ensures that the body can absorb and use it effectively, offering expectant mothers the most effective prenatal support
What is 5-MTHF folic acid and why is it important?
Folic acid, the synthetic form of folate (vitamin B9), is essential for various bodily functions, particularly during pregnancy. It plays a key role in DNA synthesis, cell division and tissue growth, ensuring that cells reproduce and develop correctly. In early pregnancy, folic acid is particularly important as it contributes to the formation of the neural tube, the structure that will become the baby's brain and spinal cord. Adequate folic acid intake helps prevent neural tube defects and promotes healthy fetal development.
Prevention of neural tube defects (NTDs)
Neural tube defects (NTDs) are serious congenital malformations that occur when the neural tube, which forms the brain and spinal cord, fails to close properly early in fetal development. Two common types of NTD are spina bifidaThese two conditions can lead to lifelong disability or, in the case of anencephaly, death shortly after birth. Both conditions can lead to lifelong disability or, in the case of anencephaly, death shortly after birth. These malformations have a profound impact on the quality of life of newborns and their families.
Research has shown that supplementation with folic acid can significantly reduce the risk of neural tube defects when taken at least one month before conception and during the first trimester. Studies have shown that women who take the recommended amount of folic acid daily can reduce the risk of NTDs by up to 70 %. Public health campaigns to promote folic acid consumption have led to a substantial drop in NTD rates worldwide, underlining the importance of this nutrient for a healthy pregnancy.
For a healthy pregnancy: The benefits of folic acid
Reducing the risk of premature delivery
Folic acid plays a crucial role in the reduction of risk of premature delivery by promoting proper cell division and development. Adequate levels can help prevent complications that lead to premature delivery.
Promote fetal brain and heart development
Folic acid is essential for fetal brain and heart development. It contributes to the formation of the neural tube, the prevention of malformations such as spina bifida, and the proper formation of the baby's heart.
Reduced risk of complications during pregnancy
Folic acid helps reduce the likelihood of pregnancy complications, including pre-eclampsia. It promotes healthy blood circulation and cellular function, which reduces inflammation and helps regulate blood pressure during pregnancy.
Supporting the mother's health during and after pregnancy
Folic acid contributes to the mother's health during pregnancy, reducing the risk of anemia and improving energy levels. After childbirth, folic acid contributes to tissue repair, promotes red blood cell production and stimulates recovery.
Why is bioavailable folic acid (5-MTHF) better?
5-MTHF, or 5-methyltetrahydrofolate, is the bioactive form of folic acid that the body can readily absorb and use, making it a superior choice to synthetic folic acid. However, some women carry genetic variations known as MTHFR mutations, which impair their ability to convert ordinary folic acid into its active form. This can lead to deficiencies during crucial stages such as pregnancy. Plusbaby's +mum and +fertiwomen supplements are formulated with 5-MTHF, ensuring that all mothers can effectively absorb and benefit from folic acid, whatever their genetic make-up.
How do Plusbaby's +mum and +fertiwomen ensure optimal folic acid intake?
Introducing +mum
+mum is a prenatal supplement carefully formulated specifically for pregnant and breastfeeding women. It contains 5-MTHF, the bioactive form of folic acid, as well as 16 other essential nutrients to support maternal and fetal health.
Supporting mother and child health
This supplement is essential for the prevention of neural tube defects (NTDs) and the healthy development of the baby. The bioavailable folic acid contained in +mum ensures that mothers and their growing children benefit from optimal nutrition, laying a solid foundation for overall good health.
Introducing +fertiwomen
+fertiwomen is designed for women trying to conceive, supporting ovulation and hormonal balance. The addition of folic acid promotes early fetal development, enabling mothers to start their journey to motherhood on the right foot.
Improved fertility and cycle regularity
In addition to improving fertility, +fertiwomen helps maintain regular menstrual cycles and prevent neural tube defects. The formulation also includes fertility-boosting ingredients such as coenzyme Q10 and arginine, helping to strengthen women's reproductive health.
Vegan and ethical supplementation
Both our supplements, +mum and +fertiwomen, are vegan, giving all mothers access to safe and ethical supplementation. This commitment to vegan ingredients allows women to feel confident in their nutritional choices during the critical stages of motherhood.
When and how to supplement?
When to start taking folic acid
It is recommended to start taking folic acid at least three months before conception. This ensures that the body has sufficient levels of this vital nutrient during the critical period of neural tube development at the start of pregnancy.
Continuation of treatment during pregnancy and breast-feeding
Women should continue to take our supplements throughout their pregnancy. pregnancy and during breastfeeding. This continuous supplementation promotes the baby's development and is essential for the mother's health, helping to reduce the risk of complications and nutrient deficiencies.
Recommended supplements for different stages of pregnancy
Women trying to conceive are advised to start with +fertiwomen during the fertility phase. Once pregnancy is confirmed, they should switch to +mum, which is specifically formulated to meet nutritional needs during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Dosage recommendations
Health experts generally recommend a daily dosage of 400 to 600 mcg of folic acid for women planning to conceive or who are pregnant. This dosage ensures adequate levels to support maternal and fetal health throughout these crucial stages.
In conclusion, folic acid during pregnancy plays an essential role in the healthy development of the baby. Plusbaby's +mum and +fertiwomen provide bioavailable folic acid in the form of 5-MTHF, as well as other vital nutrients that support women at different stages of pregnancy, offering peace of mind and ensuring optimal health for both mother and child. Moms-to-be are encouraged to incorporate our supplements into their routine for optimal prenatal and preconception health.
