Finding the best and most suited folate supplement for you can be tricky. After all, there are so many opinions out there and products that claim to work miracles. But, at Zita West, we make sure that all of our products are made with absolute care. Our new folate supplement is vegan, and yeast-free and has been recommended by the NHS.
When deciding to fall pregnant, you should always ensure that you have the best folate supplement to make sure that your growing baby is healthy and happy.
Check out Zita West’s new folate supplement today!
What is a folate supplement?
Folate supplements are dietary supplements that contain folate, a B vitamin that is essential for red blood cell formation, cell growth and repair, DNA synthesis, and pregnancy and fetal development.
Folate supplements come in various forms, such as tablets, capsules, and liquids. They may contain folic acid, the synthetic form of folate, or natural forms of folate, such as 5-methyltetrahydrofolate. Folate supplements are especially important for pregnant women and women who are trying to conceive, as they can help prevent birth defects.
Who should take folate supplements?
It is important to note that you should consult your GP or doctor before taking any supplements. This blog is by no means a substitute for the medical advice that you can receive from a medical professional.
The groups of people that may benefit from taking a folate supplement include women who want to start the process of falling pregnant, women who are already pregnant, anaemic people, people with sickle cell or Crohn’s disease, and people with inflammatory bowel disease or kidney disease.
How much folate should be taken?
The recommended daily folate intake for adults is 400 micrograms (mcg). However, pregnant women and women who are trying to fall pregnant should aim for 600 mcg of folate per day.
Folate does not only need to be taken through supplementation but can also be found in your diet and by eating foods such as:
- dark green leafy vegetables
- beans
- peas
- nuts
- fortified cereals and breads
If, however, you are not receiving enough folate from your diet, you would usually start introducing a folate supplement. If you are considering taking a folate supplement, talk to your doctor about the right dosage for you.
Folate for fertility and pregnancy
If you are thinking of falling pregnant, it is recommended that you begin taking a folate supplement at least one month before conceiving. You would then continue taking the folate supplement during pregnancy.
Folic acid and active folate are two different forms of vitamin B9, but they are often used interchangeably. Folate is the more bioavailable form, meaning that it is more easily absorbed and used by the body.
Quatrefolic® is a brand of active folate that we use in our folate supplements. It is more readily absorbed by the body than folic acid, so we recommend it over folic acid.
Folate is essential for the proper development of the fetal brain and spine. Most neural tube defects, such as spina bifida and anencephaly, occur in the first three to four weeks of pregnancy; this is often before the woman even knows she is pregnant. This is why it is important to start taking a folate supplement before you become pregnant.
At Zita West, we have formulated this new folate supplement that is cruelty-free, vegan, and yeast-free and is recommended by the NHS. Connect with us on Instagram to find out more!
