During pregnancy, especially in the early stages, folate consumption increases sharply. All cells of the embryo rapidly divide in order to form full-fledged tissues over time. The nervous tissue of the future human being transforms especially quickly and complexly. And it is precisely this that requires large amounts of folic acid.
Folic acid deficiency during pregnancy can occur for the following reasons:
• Insufficient intake of folate from food.
• Impaired absorption of folates (in chronic inflammatory diseases of the stomach and intestines).
• Genetic disorders of the folate cycle.
In rare cases, a woman's body lacks essential enzymes (MTHFR). As a result, folic acid is not converted into folates, and they do not perform the necessary functions. Intermediate metabolic products accumulate in the body, which can lead to cardiovascular diseases, tumor processes, infertility and miscarriage. If such a mutation is present, it is recommended to take folic acid derivatives, for example, Metafolin. It is absorbed faster and in greater volume.
Taking certain drugs against epilepsy and hormonal drugs sharply reduces the level of folate in the blood:
• oral contraceptives;
• barbiturates, diphenylhydantoin;
• sulfonamide drugs (for example, Biseptol), which inhibit the synthesis of vitamin B9 by intestinal microflora;
• alcohol consumption also reduces their levels.