Surprise, it’s a baby! Or not, but here’s why you still need Folic Acid

When we think of grabbing our everyday essentials, our phone, Leap Card and purse usually top the list.

However, there is one other thing you should be taking before you head out for work everyday.

We all know that sometime’s it’s not always the easiest to squeeze in every last vitamin and mineral we need into our bodies through our diets, so taking a supplement or two can definitely help.

There are things like Iron, Vitamin B12 and fish oil capsules who get all the glory, but Folic Acid is another essential for women – even those without child.

Folic acid is a vitamin that is essential for everyone’s health, and women especially need extra during early pregnancy.

It is a B vitamin called vitamin B9, which is important for the development and maintenance of new cells within the body.

Folic acid isn’t stored in the body so you need to take it every day, pregnant or not.

If you are planning on making a baby any time soon, then this is important information, as taking folic acid can help prevent certain birth defects of the brain and spinal cord like Spina Bifida.

Up to 70 per cent of these types of defects could be prevented by taking folic acid.

However, even if you are not planning on having a baby, you never know what life has in store, so it could be an idea to start taking it now ahead of time.

According to SafeFood research, up to half of all pregnancies are unplanned, and you may not even realise you’re pregnant in the first few weeks, which is when your baby’s brain and spine are developing.

And if you’re really really not planning on having kids, Folic Acid can still benefit you by assisting in the creation of your red blood cells to provide energy.

There are a number of food sources which contain Folic Acid, but a supplement is the ideal way to bump up your levels. It’s a win win, really.