Vitamin B9: why consume it during pregnancy?

Vitamin B9: why consume it during pregnancy?

Tomber enceinte est une véritable joie, mais il y a un certain nombre de choses à prendre en compte pour le bien-être et le développement de l’enfant. Découvrez ici l’importance de la vitamine B9 !


Pregnancy is a fundamental moment for each future parent, which is why it is essential to think of everything, both for the well-being of the mother and her child.

So there are a lot of things to take into consideration. Food is one of the most essential, because it is necessary to consume certain foods rich in vitamins and minerals. Vitamin B9, for example, is much discussed during pregnancy. So, should you eat it? What is his role ? Find out all in this article!

What is vitamin B9 or folic acid?

Before moving on to the roles of vitamin B9 in pregnant women, it is first essential to become familiar with it. Also known as folic acid, this vitamin is of paramount importance for the body, especially that of pregnant women.

It has a wide pathway, which allows almost all organs and systems to benefit from it. When vitamin B9 is ingested, it is absorbed by the small intestine.

It is then transmitted to the liver through the bloodstream, then it is secreted into the bile. It is then reabsorbed by the intestine to complete its circuit.

Vitamin B9 or folic acid is important for protein synthesis and for DNA production. It also has a role to play in the growth of nerve cells.

Vitamin B9 during pregnancy, essential?

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We often hear that pregnant women should favor certain foods and avoid others. But what about vitamin B9? Is it really essential? Well, yes, during pregnancy, it is important to favor foods containing folic acid .

It is important to bring it to the body through food, because it simply cannot produce it on its own. Moreover, vitamin B9 is also highly recommended during the periconceptional period.

Among its most important roles in pregnant women, it is possible to mention:

  • Tissue synthesis;

  • Improved cell growth and division;

  • Improving neural communication;

  • The growth of blood and nerve cells;

  • Strengthening the immune system.

As you can see, thanks to vitamin B9, the pregnant woman can experience healthier growth. This vitamin is just as essential for the well-being of the future mother as that of her child.

Indeed, the latter can develop better thanks to all the benefits of folic acid. This is why the importance of vitamin B9 should not be overlooked.

What are the risks for vitamin B9 deficiency during pregnancy?

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It is true that during pregnancy, the pregnant woman’s vitamin B9 needs increase considerably. However, you should also know that deficiencies in this acid can lead to several considerable risks. This is all the more true if the pregnant woman is expecting twins or triplets.

Depending on the severity of the deficiency, the consequences and repercussions on the child may be different. The same is true for the risks for pregnant women. That being said, it should be noted that vitamin B9 deficiency can be daunting during the first trimester.

Among the risks that can be mentioned, there are:

  • Malformations of the child’s brain or nervous system;

  • A growth retardation;

  • Increased risks of prematurity, etc.

For all these reasons and to avoid vitamin B9 deficiencies during pregnancy, it is recommended that every woman monitor her intake of this vitamin. This must begin even before starting the pregnancy project. This is a kind of preparatory phase which allows you to better understand pregnancy and to be in better health.

What foods should be favored to better consume vitamin B9 during pregnancy?

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Now that you know how important vitamin B9 is for pregnant women, you are certainly asking yourself questions about the foods to focus on.

Fortunately, many of them can provide a good supply of vitamin B9. Among them, it is possible to cite:

  • Enriched flours and pasta;

  • Orange fruits and citrus fruits;

  • Sunflower seeds;

  • Dark green vegetables;

  • Legumes, etc.

It is therefore essential for pregnant women to have a healthy and balanced diet. In addition, we must not forget that it is quite possible to ** consume food supplements ** found on the market.

Thus, it is impossible to be mistaken as to the intake of vitamin B9 that must absolutely be reached daily. Of course, do not forget to consult the opinion of a health professional in this case.

Vitamins and pregnancy

You now know a lot more about vitamin B9 and pregnant women. Advance in your discovery: