engleski

The question is whether intake of folic acid from diet alone during pregnancy is sufficient

Pregnancy presents the most important period in every women life, partially for the number of physiological adaptations she is going through, partially for the expectance of new life. Additionally, pregnancy presents the “critical window” for development later in childhood, as a period of foetal programming during which nutrition plays one of crucial roles. Despite of general belief that nutrition through pregnancy is adequate and is characterized with better nutritional habits, number of studies is not in favour to this belief. Adequate folate blood level is necessary for normal cell growth, synthesis of several compounds including DNA and RNA, proper brain and neurologic functions ; it is included in regulation of homocysteine level, and closely related to the vitamin B12 metabolism. Folate deficiency in pregnancy is related to neural tube defects, other neurological disorders, preterm delivery and low birth weight. Vide range of plant and animal foods present the natural sources of folate ; liver, yeast, mushrooms, and green leafy vegetables being the most significant. Different ways of food preparation influence folate stability and its bioavailability varies from 25– 50% from foods, 85% from enriched foods or 100% from supplements. Correlation between folate and prevention of broad spectrum of chronic diseases has been confirmed. Compiled number of scientific results led to official recommendations for folic acid supplementation in pregnant women, as well as for number of obligatory or voluntary fortification programmes in order to prevent the folate deficiency on a population level. Still, certain level of precausion exists for elderly, since folate can mask vitamin B12 deficiency with possible fatal outcomes.

pregnancy ; folic acid ; folic acid deficiency ; folate food sources ; supplements ; food fortification ; bioavailability

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