Baby talk.

Planning on having a bubba? Well it’s safe to say that they will come regardless of whether they are planned or not. I feel that it is our duty of care as women of a child bearing age to be prepared to give our future babies the best shot at a healthy life. Which is why today’s topic is FOLATE.

A recent study has shown that women who took a daily multivitamin supplement (especially one specific for pregnancy) had a strongly reduced risk of having a child with autism. Women in the study who did not take pre-natal (before pregnancy) vitamins had an estimated risk of having a child with autism up to seven times greater than in women who did take prenatal vitamins.

Folate/folic acid (vitamin B9) is the key player in the development of a healthy foetal nervous system and studies show that folic acid supplements have the potential to prevent up to 70 percent of neural tube defects such as spina bifida when taken before pregnancy and in the first trimester.

Folic acid is found in barley, beans, eggs, green leafy vegies, lentils, sprouts and soybeans. It’s also found in liver and other organ meats. Whatever tickles your fancy... We don’t judge here at Essential Health.

Take into consideration that folate levels are depleted by the Pill, alcohol and many medications. Deficiency signs include anaemia, fatigue, cervical dysplasia, forgetfulness, headaches, irritability and loss of libido. Does this tick any boxes for you?

When choosing a multi for pre-natal care, pregnancy and lactation don’t just grab any old vitamin that’s on special at the supermarket. Ask your naturopath about a good quality supplement like BioCeuticals InNatal plus Iron which doesn’t contain magnesium oxide like some cheap brands. It also has a decent amount of iodine which is super important for brain development. We need around 400 micrograms a day of folate and 800 micrograms if you’re pregnant or lactating.

How much folate is in your multivitamin?

PS. Rule of three again.
1. I read the research article which inspired me to write the post.
2. A customer came in who’s partner has post-natal depression.
3. As I was finishing writing the post, the local naturopath who specialises in fertility dropped off some brochures.