Young Lady: Get Your Folate!

Posted January 17, 2008 at 06:00 PM by Katie Drummond

Section: Her Health, Her Nutrition, Supplements, Her News

Calling all women aged 18 to 24: you need more folate!

At least this is the message coming from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control in a study released last week. Researchers surveyed over 2,000 women on their intake of folic acid and supplements, and compared their responses to those from previous years. Last year, 40% of women between 18 and 45 reported taking a multi-vitamin containing folate, up from 28% in 1995.

Although the numbers are better, the CDC says they aren’t good enough, especially when it comes to younger generations. These women were the least likely to be using supplements, or getting adequate folate in their daily dining. Even worse? Women aged 18 to 24 are in their prime childbearing years, and have the largest number of unplanned pregnancies. Because folate is crucial for fetal development, the CDC is adamant about raising awareness among younger women.

American health experts recommend that women of childbearing age consume 400 micrograms of folic acid each day, if they want to reduce their risk of pregnancies affected by birth defects such as spina bifida and anencephaly. The CDC survey showed that most young women average around 130 micrograms each day.

How can you increase your intake? If you don’t already take a multivitamin or folic acid supplement, start now. Next, incorporate fortified and enriched cereals and grain products into your diet, as well as leafy greens, beans and nuts. Many name-brand cereals contain 400 micrograms of folic acid in one serving, so it isn’t tough to get enough by simply replacing your flaked breakfast of choice.