Before I was even a twinkle in my father’s eye, my mom took folate.

If you are thinking of becoming pregnant, if it is even remotely possible, or if you know a young mother-to-be, think folate.

Between the 14th and 30th day after conception – long before a woman even realizes she is pregnant – folate helps prevent a spine-damaging birth defect called neural tube defects (NTD). Babies born with NTD suffer paralysis, lack of bowel control and may have smaller-than-normal brains. Sadly, NTD affects 4,000 pregnancies yearly in the US alone, even though good folate status all but guarantees prevention.

Please spread the word. Inform women who are trying to conceive to consider taking 400mcg folate or folic acid daily. Most pre-natal vitamins do the trick. Send your friends and family this update or connect them with: www.BetterLivingNewsBites.blogspot.com