Dear Nurse Felicia,

A friend of mine was recently given folic acid supplements by her doctor. What exactly is folic acid and should I be taking it too?

Curious in Kacyiru

Dear Curious,

Folic acid is a type of B-vitamin that is crucial for cell growth and metabolism. Deficiencies of folic acid can cause certain types of anemia and occur more commonly in people with liver, kidney, or other digestive problems, or those who abuse alcohol.

Most importantly, folic acid is crucial for women in the early stages of pregnancy to reduce the risk of certain birth defects and pregnancy complications.

If your friend is pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant, this is probably why her doctor prescribed supplements. In fact, many doctors believe that all women of childbearing age should be taking a regular daily folic acid supplement as it provides protection against birth defects that can occur before a woman even realises she is pregnant. 

Specifically, folic acid protects against defects of the neural tube, which is the embryonic structure which eventually develops into a baby’s brain and spinal cord. Spina bifida and anencephaly are the two most common types of Neural Tube Defects (NTDs).

Spina bifida, also known as "open spine”, is a serious condition which carries the risk of impaired mental development, muscle paralysis, and infections. Anencephaly results in babies born with underdeveloped brains and incomplete skulls, and most of these children die at birth.

Encephalocele results from a hole in the skull through which brain tissue protrudes. Babies born with this defect usually live, but suffer from severe mental disabilities.

Cleft lip and cleft palate also fall into this category of birth defect and can lead to dehydration and malnutrition related to inability to feed as well as social isolation and stigma.

So, what’s the good news? The good news is that folic acid, taken at least one month prior to pregnancy and throughout the first trimester, can reduce the incidence of NTDs by as much as 72%!

Folic acid can be found in certain foods such as leafy green vegetables, beans, peas and lentils or some fruits such as bananas, and certain fortified cereals or breads but intake through food alone may not be sufficient.

Cheers,
Nurse Felicia

Felicia Price is an American Registered Professional Nurse working in Kigali. Please send your health queries – whatever they may be - to askfelicia@gmail.com