Folic acid, or vitamin B-9, is essential for the formation of red blood cells, healthy metabolism and cellular division, especially during the initial weeks of fetal development. Researchers have known for many years that supplemental folic acid reduces the incidence of certain birth defects, but more recent investigation suggests that it also dramatically lowers the risk of delivering premature babies, or "preemies." Mothers who deliver preemies should supplement with or eat foods rich in folic acid so they can pass it through their breast milk and ensure normal development.
Folic Acid
One of the main functions of folic acid is to synthesize and repair DNA, which is important during the periods of rapid cell division and growth that occur in developing fetuses, according to the book "Functional Biochemistry in Health and Disease." Folic acid also contributes to the formation of red blood cells in bone marrow, stimulates immunity, helps to regulate metabolism and acts as an antioxidant. The National Institutes of Health recommend 150 mcg of folic acid per day for babies under 6 months old and up to 600 mcg per day for pregnant women.
Folic Acid and Birth Defects
Taking supplemental folic acid prior to conception and through the early months of pregnancy significantly reduces the risk of babies being born with neural tube defects, such as spina bifida, according to "Human Biochemistry and Disease" Women are encouraged to supplement with folic acid or eat foods rich in folic acid as soon as they stop using birth control and attempt to conceive, because the human spine and nervous system develop soon after conception and lasts at least twelve weeks. As such, women should continue consuming folic acid throughout their first trimester at the minimum.
Premature Delivery
A baby is considered prematurely born or a preemie if it is delivered less than 37 weeks after conception. Typically, a preemie has underdeveloped organs and immunity and requires hospitalization and intensive medical attention. The cause of premature birth is often unknown, and although significant progress has been made in treating preemies as young as 25 weeks, the overall prevalence of premature births has not changed in many decades, according to "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine." Preemies are at greater risk for long-term complications such as physical disabilities and mental retardation.
Folic Acid and Preemies
Research concluded in 2009 at the University of Texas examined the effects of 400 mcg of daily folic acid given to thousands of pregnant women. The researchers found that taking folic acid a year prior to conception and at least 12 weeks after conception reduced the odds of the baby being born before 28 weeks by 70 percent and the chances of a premature birth between 28 and 32 weeks by 50 percent. They noted that taking folic acid had no effect on premature births between 32 and 37 weeks. The researchers believed it is likely that folic acid cuts the risk of infection, a common cause of premature births.
If you do give birth to a preemie, continue supplementing with folic acid or eat foods rich in folic acid so that the baby receives enough of it through your breast milk, as noted by Miriam Rosenthal, author of "Medical Biochemistry: Human Metabolism in Health and Disease." Preemies unable to breastfeed are often given at least 150 mcg per day intravenously.
References
- "Functional Biochemistry in Health and Disease"; Eric Newsholme et al; 2010
- National Institutes of Health: Office of Dietary Supplements: Folate Fact Sheet
- "Human Biochemistry and Disease"; Gerald Litwack; 2008
- "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine"; A. Fauci et al.; 2008
- Daily Mail Online Health Section: "Taking folic acid for a year cuts risk of premature births by 70%"; by Fiona MaCrae; May 12th, 2009
- "Medical Biochemistry: Human Metabolism in Health and Disease"; Miriam D. Rosenthal et al; 2009
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