Low folate levels in pregnant women can cause birth defects.

Nine out of 10 pregnant women

present marginal or low folic acid levels during conception and pregnancy due to modern diets, according to research conducted by the University of Southampton (UK), a lack of this nutrient can lead to neural tube defectswhich are Most common congenital anomalies.

The study analyzed the health status of more than 1700 women from 18 to 38 years old in high-income countries such as the UK, New Zealand and Singapore when they found out they were pregnant and followed many of them during pregnancy. The results showed that the majority lacked essential nutrients which are abundant in fruits, vegetables, legumes, meat and dairy products, such as vitamins B12, B6 and D, folic acid and riboflavin.

Experts noted that The average adult needs 200 micrograms of folic acid per day. while pregnant women require at least twice as much, and some up to 10 times more. A deficiency of this nutrient causes symptoms such as fatigue, tingling, pallor, headache and ulcers in the mouth and tongue.

According to experts, a developing child needs folic acid to produce new healthy cells and genetic material (DNA and RNA). In turn, the benefits of folate for overall health include stimulating the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow, which is important during various stages of growth, including pregnancy, childhood and adolescence.

On the other hand, a recent study concluded by comparing the nutritional value of orange juices from supermarkets and juices made from freshly squeezed oranges. commercial consumption may make an interesting contribution to meeting daily requirements for essential compounds such as folate and potassium, especially in children and adolescents.

Because late fall and early winter are scientifically the most popular time of year to conceive, nutrition experts recommend that women trying to conceive take care of your diet during these months to keep folic acid levels high.

In this sense, nutritionist and nutritionist Ramon de Cangas called for the inclusion Orange juicesqueezed at home or purchased from the supermarket, in your daily diet, as this drink is rich in folic acid and contains essential minerals such as potassium, magnesium and iron. In fact, a recent study shows that a glass of juice a day provides up to 20 percent of a child’s folic acid needs and 10 to 15 percent of a teenager or adult’s need.

In addition, he advised using v.green leafy herbs, such as spinach, kale and broccoli, and legumes are all sources of folic acid. Thus, one cup of spinach provides 15 percent of the recommended daily value of this nutrient, and one cup of spinach provides 15 percent of the recommended daily value of this nutrient. cup of boiled lentils contains 358 mg of folic acid, which is 90 percent of the recommended daily value.