They do offer it to pregnant women on their first visit. The problem is that most women don't realise they are until around six weeks. This is the time the benefit is gained from folic acid. It's got something to do with helping in the forming of the brain and spinal cord, which happens in the first six weeks.
Why so against it anyway?
This is what it's about:
What Is It?
Folic acid, also called folate or folacin, is a B vitamin with a solid reputation for protecting against birth defects and heart disease. If adults were to get an adequate amount of this vitamin, it is estimated that 50,000 deaths from cardiovascular disease could be prevented each year in the United States alone. Moreover, common birth defects could be cut nearly in half. Other ailments, such as depression, Alzheimer's disease, and certain types of cancer may respond to the effects of folic acid as well.
Too much of it is apparently 1000mcg a day, which is about 40 grams of Marmite. Even then it wouldn't do much harm, except to give you really smelly breath! |