Hyderabad: The preventive effects of folic acid, which is important in neural development in the brain and spinal cord, can be seen only in the first four weeks of pregnancy. For this reason, it is being recommended as a supplement during the pre-conception stage.
The supplementation of folic acid has increased from 15 per cent in 2005-2006 to 30 per cent in 2015-16, according to National Family Health Survey. Yet, the actual impact in terms of reducing malformation in infants is not being seen. In some of these cases, it was found that the supplementation of folic acid started after pregnancy. To ensure that neural development is not affected, doctors state that folic acid supplements must be started before pregnancy.
Dr Vimee Bindra, consultant gynaecologist and infertility specialist at Apollo Hospitals, said said folic acid was important for metabolic reactions during the pre-conception stage. “If there is deficiency it causes neural tube defects because of defective cells. It is important to start folic acid at least two months before conception.”
Pregnancy is determined after three weeks and by that time the development of the brain and spinal cord has already taken place in the foetus.
Dr Mandira Singh, senior consultant gynaecologist, said, “Folic acid deficiency is seen in women whose diets are deficient in fresh fruits, vegetables and fortified cereals.”
The supplementation of preventive dose is 0.5 mg.
