The B-vitamin folic acid is indispensable for all processes of cell division and cell growth and is therefore considered to be the most important vitamin before and during pregnancy.
Folate is contained in many food sources, including fruit and vegetables, but is very sensitive to heat and light and is easily destroyed.
The important protective function of folic acid is particularly evident during early pregnancy. During this time – when most women don’t even suspect they might be pregnant – a low folate level is a risk factor for the development of neural tube defects in the fetus. Folic acid ensures that the neural tube, from which the central nervous system, the spinal cord, and the brain develop, is completely closed in the embryo.
That is why experts recommend the intake of additional folic acid from preconception.
Depending on how fast you want to get pregnant, you should know that building effective protection takes some time: with 800 micrograms daily, you can increase the folic acid content in your body to the required level within four weeks. Take 400 micrograms per day, it will take about 12 weeks.
Important: If you have been taking the contraceptive pill, it may take even longer to achieve a good folic acid status because the pill is a real “folate-thief”.
Folic acid remains very important long after your baby’s neural tube has closed.
Since folate is needed in cell division, it is indispensable for the further physical development of the baby as well.
In addition, folate has other important roles in the body: it contributes to normal homocysteine metabolism and the growth of maternal tissue during pregnancy, supports the immune system, and contributes to normal blood formation.
Other micronutrients, such as iron, iodine, and antioxidants are vital as well. While iron is essential for the transport of oxygen in blood and iodine, being a key element of thyroid hormones, is involved in normal thyroid function, antioxidants such as vitamins C and E can help to protect the cellular DNA, proteins, and lipids from oxidative stress. For maximum effect, Fertilovit® For2 plus DHA contains vitamin C with sustained release.