Topics Covered.
Folic Acid, an important key to the building blocks of life.
Vitamin B, the answer to more energy
Dad's nutrition for better babies, can we get the sperm to be healthier and dad healthier?
Since my experience with my deficiency in Folic Acid and absorption of it in the synthetic form as well as the natural form, I have researched and learned a lot. I can't stress enough for women to have genetic testing in this area, as well as check for any other mineral or vitamin deficiencies like B12. Not only are there serious complications and defects in unborn children, it can cause serious issues in Women's health and well being. Fathers providing sperm also need to have healthy cells for excellent chance at healthy conception.
Here are some facts I found...
- Taking folate to prevent spina bifida is all the reason but there are more studies now that suggest "Some studies have shown that women who don't get enough folic acid may increase their risk of miscarriage, as well as cleft lip and palate, limb defects, and certain types of heart defects in their babies" Source (Article)
- "If you don't get enough folate, you can end up with too much homocysteine in your blood, which is thought to contribute to some birth defects. Elevated levels of homocysteine in pregnancy also have been linked to blood clots, placental abruption, recurrent miscarriages, and stillbirth." Source (Article)
- "...folate helps make normal red blood cells, prevent anemia, and produce the nervous system chemicals norepinephrine and serotonin." Source (Article)
- "Your body needs this nutrient for the production, repair, and functioning of DNA, our genetic map and a basic building block of cells..." Source (Article)
Homeocysteine levels that are elevated can contribute to heart attacks - read more here
Doctors are prescribing higher levels of folic acid (I take 2000 mcg a day). Generally, women are told 500mcg. Now this is changing, as any access folic acid is past through the urine. Depending upon the mothers history doctors are prescribing 1000mcg, up to 4000 mcg (for those that had delivered a spina bifida baby in the past). Though, before taking folic acid above 800 mcg you must have your vitamin B12 levels checked out, especially if you are vegan to make sure you are not deficient in B12, as taking folic acid may hide this deficiency which is not good for mother or baby.
Explore more: "
Pernicious Anemia"
Vitamin B
Feeling like you are tired all day, get your vitamin B levels checked out. The vitamin is apparently the "key to more energy". The symptoms of a deficiency may include
"Fatigue, irritability, poor concentration, anxiety and depression all can be signs of a B vitamin deficiency." Source (Article 2)
We all know that we are not getting enough nutrients from our food, we also know that mothers and women are not the best at making sure that they look after themselves, their nutrition health and well being. For me it has been one hard lesson in something I was "unconciously incompetent" about (meaning I didn't know, what I needed to know). Now I am "conciously incompetant" and by the help of an amazing natropath that specializes in healthy women and babies, it has triggered me to educate myself on what is happening in this area in the medical world. It seems to me that mothers need to be more informed. Doctors used to provide this kind of care and some obstetricians (here in the US) do have a specialized medical nutritionalist. I have not come across this additional service in other obstetrician clinics, and women generally in Australia need to take it upon themselves to understand exactly what a natropath does, specialize in and most of all, how important they are in providing the basic and seriously necessary information for a prevention of many issues us women are increasingly experiencing.
Who knows more Vitamin B education may result in less pharmacutical medication? In another words we are in a world of treatment (when it often too late) rather than a complete understanding of our body's nutritional needs and use the natural minerals and vitamins that we would have gotten from our food in the past, to prevent health issues before they get out of hand.
This Vitamin B article goes into more depth at how important this group is to the body's metabolism (like folic acid). Like cancer attacks at the celluar level, these important Vitamins do the same in a positive way. What I do know and have observed first hand, is that cancer patients immediately focus on getting minerals and vitamins, they dramatically increase their fruit and vegetable intake. The focus on a souped up healthy diet is first and foremost in health during chemo. It makes sense then for us mothers everyday to value our life, put our health first and take control of our preventative health, whether through overdosing on fruits and veges or taking vitamins and minerals!!!!
Explore more..."
Vitamin B: A key to more energy"
Dad's Nutrition - contributing more than just sperm
It was so awesome for my other half to feel like he was helping towards better babies and health, when he too was advised to take folic acid, as well as zinc (separate before bed) to boost this health of his little men. After genetic testing for folic acid (which is an essential and key component of extremely early cell division in the conception and development phase, ie. the first trimester of which miscarriage is a risk) it turned out that he too (although less than me) was not metabolizing folic acid the best (ie. I had two genetic markers, he had one)...anyway, it is now being advised for men trying to conceive with their wives to take folic acid per day, and from our experience zinc before bed.
Not only should we be taking an interest in our health and mission for a healthy baby, I now realize I need to take note and caution that this is something to do everyday for the rest of our lives. For me, I need to take the special folic acid for me to absorb and metabolize by
metagenics for life, due to me being the 10% of women of the 30% of women that don't absorb folic acid at all in the synthesized form and in the natural form. That is fine as I take vitamins everyday anyway. What I am most happy about is that our natropath keeps us informed. Provides a customize vitamin plan based on our individual needs and also based on blood test and actual investigation into our health. Now that is piece of mind, as I look into the future to deliver our second boy in April (after three miscarriages).
Full list of resources to take control of your life...
Folic Acid: An important way to prevent birth defects
Pernicious Anemia
Heart Disease and
Homocysteine Levels
Can Dad's diet make a healthier baby?
Preventative Health
Australia and
USA
Natural Fertility Management - Sydney Clinic
Preconception Care - book by Francesca Naish and Janette Roberts
Thyroid Deficiency in pregnancy
(December 4th) (
