10 Reasons Why Folic Acid Needs Every Latina Mom’s Attention

If you’re pregnant or trying to get pregnant, you’re probably familiar with folic acid benefits already. If not—read this and go out and get some immediately! Folic acid (vitamin B9) helps our bodies regenerate new cells for healthy hair, skin, nails and much more. It’s recommended that all women of childbearing age take 400 mcg per day. Folic acid is particularly important during pregnancy because it can reduce your baby’s odds of having major brain or spinal defects by up to 70%.

“Women in the United States are recommended to take prenatal vitamins if they expect to become pregnant and during pregnancy. In addition, many foods, especially grains, are fortified with folic acid in the United States,” advises Dr. Richard Frye, director of Autism Research at Arkansas Children’s Hospital. So for Latina moms and moms-to-be, here are 10 reasons why folic acid needs your attention.

1. Folic acid and autism

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Studies have shown that taking a folate supplement starting four weeks before conception and throughout pregnancy can reduce the risk for your child developing autism.

2. More about autism and prenatal folic acid benefits

Alycia Halladay, Ph.D. and Jill James, Ph.D. of Autism Speaks point out that although some studies show folic acid can help prevent autism, it’s a complicated disorder with many variables. They caution moms-to-be not to rely too heavily on these results.

3. You can have too much of a good thing

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Check with your doctor on how much folic acid you should be taking before and during pregnancy, and while breastfeeding. Keep in mind that it’s naturally present in some foods and, since 1998, folic acid has been added to most enriched flours, cornmeal, pasta and rice in the U.S. which increases the average daily intake by 100 mcg. Too much folic acid has been associated with renal and respiratory issues as well as an increased risk for autism. There’s also a possibility it could increase you or your child’s risk for colorectal and other cancers.

4. Get your folates naturally

A healthy diet is important when you’re expecting so be sure to include these folic acid-rich foods: cooked lentils, eggs, spinach, asparagus, avocado and broccoli.

5. Folic acid-rich fruits

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Indulge in plenty of B9 fruits like mango, oranges, cantaloupe, pomegranate, papaya and bananas.

6. Folic acid benefits athletes too

A recent study found that folic acid may help protect athletes engaging in high intensity exercise from cardiovascular disease by reducing circulating homocysteine.

7. Some medications decrease folic acid levels

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Medications like methotrexate, phenytoin, trimethoprim and birth control can reduce folate levels. Smoking and alcohol can too, but those shouldn’t be an issue for pregnant women, right?

8. Latina women need more folic acid

A report released by March of Dimes earlier this year found that Hispanic women have a significantly higher chance of premature birth or having a baby born with major birth defects. The Center for Disease Control & Prevention also found that Latinas are less likely than non-Hispanic white women to consume enough folic acid.

9. Folate deficiency can cause anemia

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One of the causes of megaloblastic anemia—when the red blood cells are abnormally large—is folate deficiency. Luckily, the treatment is simple—more folic acid in your diet.

10. Great recipes for upping your folic acid

Pregnant or not, these recipes are great tasting and great for you.