Vitamin B9 is of particular importance in pregnant women because it promotes the development of the brain and spinal cord of the fetus.
Vitamin B9, or folic acid, plays an essential role in the production of material genetic and amino acids essential for cell growth. In fact, and whatever phase of life we are going through, it is necessary.
The importance of vitamin B9
It has an important role in the formation of red and white blood cells, the functioning of the nervous system but also the immune system. Preponderant in the production of new cells, promoting healing, it is therefore all the more important during periods of intense metabolic activity (childhood, adolescence, pregnancy with the development of the future baby).
Another example ? During menopause, it can reduce its inconveniences if it is associated with certain trace elements.
Signs of a lack of folic acid
Normally, the level of folic acid in the blood should be between 5 and 15 µg/l. If the analyzes show a concentration of folic acid lower than these reference values, then the patient has a deficiency.
Symptoms ? Most of the time, excessive paleness will be typical of this type of deficiency, and will be linked to anemia. Similarly, redness and inflammation of the tongue and a feeling of fatigue may be observed, as well as difficulty concentrating. Other potential signs: reduced appetite, weight loss, a tendency to have more bruises than usual, or bleeding from the mucous membranes.
Risks associated with this deficiency
A deficiency in folic acid causes a slowdown in the renewal of red and white blood cells, and intestinal, hepatic and skin cells.
In pregnant women, abnormal development of the fetus, an increased risk of prematurity are risky. This is why it is recommended an adequate intake even before pregnancy.
Vitamin B9 intake
The daily requirement for an adult is 400 micrograms per day. On the other hand, pregnant women have additional needs, namely 600 to 800 micrograms per day.
It is by thefood that most intakes can be made, here are the foods that contain the most:
- poultry offal;
- calf’s liver and lamb’s liver;
- legumes;
- spinach, asparagus;
- flax and sunflower seeds;
- broccoli, fennel, endives and beets.
The salmon fillet also makes a nice addition, as does the cooked wild rice.