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Did you know that there's a vitamin that's absolutely vital for you to take if you are of childbearing age?

According to the Oklahoma State Department of Health commissioner J.R. Nida, M.D.;

"Half of all pregnancies in Oklahoma are not planned, so it is even more crucial that all women throughout their childbearing years should take a multivitamin containing 400 micrograms (0.4 milligrams) of folic acid every day."

We assume Oklahoma isn't unique in its "accident rate".   Why is this vitamin so important?  Because, if you become pregnant, before you realize it, the baby's neural tube is forming, and if you are short on this vitamin, your baby may be born severely handicapped, even possibly with no brain at all.

According to SafetyAlerts:

"The best way to get enough folic acid is to take a multivitamin containing 400 micrograms (0.4 milligrams) of folic acid. It is not possible to get enough folic acid from food sources alone."

In fact, 400 micrograms may not be enough, even for others not of childbearing age.   Folic acid may also protect the heart and circulatory system, improve your cervical health and help prevent depression, arthritis and some cancers, according to a rather technical article about folic acid in Bodywise.  

Read this informative article in CNN Interactive, which states in part:

"A new study released Wednesday has found that increasing the intake of folic acid could prevent as many as 50,000 deaths a year from cardiovascular disease." 

The Food and Drug Administration has now ordered increases in the amount of folic acid that is required to be added to breads and cereals.  But especially for weight-conscious young women, who may try to control their weight by avoiding extra carbohydrates and starches, that very likely may not be enough.

"Ask Joan" on the ThriveOnline site lists some alternative sources of folic acid:

"Look to fruit, vegetables, whole grains, and fortified cereals to get this "Mighty Mouse" nutrient.  Terrific sources include: citrus fruits and juices such as oranges, orange juice, broccoli, and asparagus; leafy dark-green vegetables such as spinach and collard greens; legumes such as lentils, chickpeas, kidney, navy, and pinto beans; and wheat germ and fortified cereals."

In other words, all those "power foods"!

But play it safe; take a supplement of at least 400 micrograms as well.   If you take a multivitamin, check its content.  Let "Mighty Mouse" do its work.

What are your thoughts?   Do you take vitamin supplements?

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