Folic Acid, Pregnancy and Heart Defect Link

Taking folic acid in early pregnancy can reduce the risk of spina bifida and other corresponding birth defects according to previous studies. Yet another benefit of folic acid has been exposed. Taking it may lower the risk of heart defects in newborns.

Folic Acid is a B vitamin that is necessary for the early growth of neural tubes, which then goes on to develop into an infant's spinal cord and brain. If the neural tubes do not grow correctly during the beginning stages of pregnancy, a baby can be born with birth defects such as spina bifida, where the bones in the spinal column do not grow together correctly.

Countries included by the U.S. and Canada have begun mandating that extra levels of folic acid be added to daily foodstuffs such as grain products and dairy in order to provide the exposure needed to folic acid benefits for those women otherwise not able to receive such. As a result of this new focus on folic acid's health benefits around the world, the number of infants with spina bifida and other neural tube problems has fallen drastically.

Congenital heart disease occurs when one or more parts of the heart or any blood vessels don't develop correctly and is the most frequent form of birth defects. These problems can encompass the range of being very simple to issues that go on for some time and some that are very complicated and cause serious issues including death.

In the new study, scientists compiled data from many government data sources in Quebec, Canada, seeking information about infants born in the nine years prior to the time when folic acid was added to grain products; and then, seven years afterward.

In the study, the researchers found very little difference in the yearly percentages of serious term heart defects before the folic acid level boost, with appoximately 1.64 babies in every 1,000 having those particular heart problems. In the years after the boost, though, there was a 6 percent decrease, with serious issues influencing 1.47 babies in every 1,000.

Researchers point out that despite the data suggesting such a small difference, the medical regimen for heart defects in infants is very complicated and the chances of death are high. Such treatments are very expensive and involved. As such, even the smallest iota of reduction is life changing as is affects both families and the medical industry.

The studies show that folic acid can affect the flow of an infant's heart augmentation. Medical professionals advise expectant mothers to take 400 micrograms of folic acid every day while attempting to get pregnant as well as throughout the first 12 weeks of conception. Mothers with a higher risk of conceiving a baby with spina bifida should take a higher amount. Always check with your doctor before you make any changes to your nutritional supplements or medical care.