Essential vitamin in early pregnancy to prevent birth defects.
Vitamin B9 (folic acid or folate) is a water-soluble vitamin essential for cell division, DNA synthesis, and neural tube closure in the embryo.
Folates participate in the transfer of methyl groups, essential for DNA synthesis and neurotransmitter production. Deficiency in early pregnancy causes neural tube defects (spina bifida). France recommends systematic supplementation from the start of pregnancy.
Cell division, DNA/RNA synthesis, homocysteine metabolism, neural tube development.
RDA: 330µg/day, 400µg during pregnancy. Supplementation 400µg/day from the start of pregnancy.
Folic acid is THE vitamin to supplement before and during pregnancy to prevent spina bifida.
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