Um 83 Prozent erhöhter Bedarf: Wann sollten Frauen mit Kinderwunsch Folsäure einnehmen?

Women who are planning to have a child should ideally take folic acid before pregnancy to meet the increased need for this vitamin, according to the network "Healthy in Life". Folic acid is crucial for cell division and growth; a deficiency can increase the risk of birth defects like neural tube defects. The neural tube, which develops into the central nervous system, usually closes within three to four weeks of conception.

Often, many women are unaware they are pregnant at this stage. Therefore, it is advisable for women planning to conceive to replenish their folate stores as early as possible before pregnancy. The network recommends women with childbearing plans to take 400 micrograms of folic acid daily from the beginning of their childbearing journey until the end of the first trimester.

If they start taking it after a positive pregnancy test or less than four weeks before, they should switch to a supplement with 800 micrograms daily until the end of the first trimester. The demand for folic acid increases by 83 percent during pregnancy, which cannot be easily met through diet alone. A balanced diet rich in folate-containing foods, such as green leafy vegetables like spinach and lettuce, tomatoes, legumes, potatoes, eggs, and whole grains, can complement the supplement.

Early consultation with a doctor or gynecologist is also important, as other nutrients like iodine, which is crucial for fetal brain development, and vitamin D for healthy bone growth, may be beneficial in consultation with a healthcare professional. Iron also plays a significant role, as both deficiency and excess can increase the risk of preterm birth and low birth weight.

"Healthy in Life" warns that both low iron levels and increased iron status can raise the risk of premature birth and low birth weight. In addition to poor nutrition, genetic factors, the parents' genetic makeup, and certain medications can also significantly impact the unborn child. Women planning to conceive should discuss potential teratogenic, or harmful to the fetus, effects with their gynecologist to prevent fetal defects.