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Health ~ Nutrition

High Folate Foods for Pregnancy

by
The Pregnancy Pantry
High Folate Foods for Pregnancy

Folate and Folic Acid Requirements During Pregnancy

Folic acid, also known as folate or Vitamin B9 is a group of B Vitamins that is crucial during pregnancy. The need for folic acid is not only important during pregnancy but should also be taken in the months leading up to conception if you are actively trying to conceive.

  • It helps prevent neural tube defects in the baby.
  • It prevents serious brain abnormalities in the baby
  • It prevents spinal cord abnormalities in the baby
  • It decreases the risk of premature birth During Pregnancy,

It is recommended that women consume anywhere between 400 – 800mcg a day of folate or folic acid.  This can be done through diet, supplementation, and a combination of both. Foods such as spinach and wheatgerm are particularly high in folate.  When you see the term ‘folic acid’ what you are seeing is the synthetic version of folate.  It is a man-made substance and sold in supplement form or added to fortified foods such as breads and cereals. Both have the same effect.

Many women will already be taking folic acid supplements and all prenatal vitamins will include the standard requirements as recommended above. In conjunction with ensuring you take your prenatal vitamins, its important to focus on the folate rich foods as well to ensure a healthy pregnancy. 

Folate is especially important in aiding rapid cell division and growth, particularly during pregnancy and during early childhood. Children and adults require folate to produce healthy red blood cells and to prevent anaemia. Humans cannot synthesise folates within their body. 

Therefore, folates are essential nutrients that must be supplied through the diet on a regular basis to meet the body’s requirements.

Folic acid is the synthetic form of folate and it is found in supplements and in fortified foods.

Natural folate is rather unstable and quite a bit of contents in food are lost during cooking and food preparation. Also, natural folates have a low bio-availability meaning that only about 50%, or half of the natural folates consumed from foods are absorbed and taken up into the body.

In contrast, the synthetic form, folic acid is rather stable and almost the entire intake is absorbed into the body.

To account for these differences in stability and bio-availability, dietary intake of folate is described using a dietary folate equivalent or DFE. One microgram of DFE is equal to one microgram of food folate or half a microgram of folic acid, if taken on an empty stomach or 0.6 microgram of folic acid if supplied with meals. 

In 2015, the World Health Organisation established population specific cut-off values for red blood cell folate concentration to determine adequate folate status in women of reproductive age. The aim was to effectively prevent the occurrence of neural tube defects in population. On a population level, red blood cell folate levels in women of reproductive age should be above 906 nanomole per litre, to achieve an optimal reduction in neural tube defects or NTDs.

Red-Blood-Cell-Folate-Concentrations-for-Assesssing-Folate-Status-in-Populations

There is no established serum folate threshold for pregnant women. And the red blood cell threshold only applies to determine population folate status, but not the individual risk.

The amount of folate-rich food required per day to meet the requirements is so great, that where possible, the WHO as well as many international recommendations stipulate folic acid supplementation in addition to a folate-rich diet. Folate and folic acid derive their names from the Latin word, folium, which means leaf. 

Folates occur naturally in many foods and are especially plentiful in dark green leafy vegetables, in legumes, citrus foods and juices. Folates are also common in breads and cereals that contain flour enriched with folic acid. 

Folate is required for cell division and it plays a major role in the prevention of Neural Tube Defects. NTD are serious congenital malformations that results from failure of a neural tube to close during the early embryogenesis, between 18 and 26 days after conception. It is therefore paramount that an adequate amount of folic acid is already consumed prior to conception to achieve adequate tissue concentrations at the very beginning of pregnancy.

The timely intake of folic acid supplementation before conception, is emphasised by the number of unplanned pregnancies. Folic acid supplementation after the diagnosis of pregnancy is far less effective and usually too late to really effectively reduce the risk of NTDs because the closure of the neural tube is completed usually by the time a woman starts to know that she’s expecting a child. 

The protective effects of folic acid in the prevention of neural tube defects is well proven and has been established by several randomised controlled trials. In 2010 a Cochrane review of folic acid in the pre-conception and early pregnancy period, looking into the prevention of neural tube defects, and other defects such as cleft palate concluded that the folic acid was beneficial without any evidence of harm for the mother and baby. It’s thought that around 72% of neural tube defects could be prevented by folic acid during this period either alone, or in combination with other vitamins and minerals. 

An excellent example of the benefits of folic acid fortification of flour comes from the United States. And here, folic acid fortification was first introduced in 1996 followed by mandatory fortification from 1998, with 140 micrograms of folic acid, per 100 grams of flour.

 Following the introduction of this, the prevalence of neural tube defect births began to decline.  It is thought that folic acid fortification of flour is now estimated to prevent around 1,000 affected neural tube defect births annually.

This success has led to other countries globally introducing mandatory folic acid fortification, and 86 countries worldwide now have such legislation in place.  Because the increased needs in early pregnancy are exceedingly difficult to meet with dietary intake alone the most widespread strategy used is a supplement of multivitamin preparation containing 400 to 800 micrograms of folic acid, even in the case of fortified foods.

Many national and international nutrient requirement setting bodies recommend the intake of 600 microgram per day of dietary folate, during pregnancy. However, for the purpose of reducing the risk of NTDs, it is recommended that women in addition to the dietary folate intake, also consume at least 400 microgram per day of folic acid in the form of a supplement or with fortified foods. 

This should be started at least one month prior to conception. and continued until at least 12 weeks of pregnancy. After the twelfth week of pregnancy, women should increase their folic acid supplement dosage to about 800 microgram per day. Globally, more and more guidelines are suggesting that not only pregnant women, but all women of reproductive age should take a daily folic acid supplement. 

This is an attempt to reduce the risk of neural tube defects in unplanned pregnancies as well as in planned pregnancies. For women with a history of children with neural tube defects, for women with diabetes, or for women who receive anti-convulsant treatment as well as for obese women, the recommended dose is four to five milligram of folic acid per day. High risk women should consult their doctor to ensure the correct guidelines for folic acid supplementation are followed. Folic acid supplementation in the pre-conception period effectively reduces the risk of recurrent NTDs by about 70%. 

Therefore, its inclusion in pre-conception preparation as well as for all women of childbearing age should be considered an essential part of pre-natal counselling.

Dietary sources of Folate include the following

spinach

Spinach 1 cup = 260mcg

Spinach is not only rich in Folate but contains an abundance of vitamins which include A, C and K. There’s a reason our fave strong man Popeye guzzled the stuff down straight from the can. Spinach is literally the one food you need to include in your daily diet as much as possible. If you can’t stomach the leafy green stuff on its own, try adding it to green smoothie for a quick fix, or try out this delicious healthy dish Spinach Shakshuka. Its also packed full of magnesium, iron, and manganese.

granola with a glass of milk

Fortified Cereals ¾cup = between 100mcg and 700mcg

Fortified foods such as cereals, grains, juices and certain milks including dairy alternatives and breads have been fortified by adding vitamins and minerals that are not naturally found in them. By adding these vitamins and minerals to the foods enables us to get a better level of nutrition. You often find that cereals that are marketed for children are full of added vitamins and minerals.

kidney beans in a bowl

Kidney Beans 1 cup = 130mcg

Kidney beans are an excellent plant-based source of protein. They are also rich in various minerals, vitamins, fibres, antioxidants, and other unique plant compounds. Therefore, these beans may aid weight loss, promote colon health, and moderate blood sugar level

four wooden spoons containing different beans and lentils

Lentils 1 cup = 360mcg

Whether you choose green lentils, red or yellow; they’re all amazing and packed full of proteins, iron and folate. We always have a huge selection of lentils in the cupboard as they’re quick to cook, so versatile and perfect for bulking out a vegetarian curry or adding to soups

asparagus on a plate with melted butter

Asparagus 1 cup= 270mcg

Asparagus is best served fresh and steamed. To ensure you eat the best part, hold each end and bend the spear until it snaps, the end with the head on is the part to eat and the other end which will be more fibrous and tough can be used to make an Asparagus End Soup. Asparagus is not only packed full of folate but also contains a healthy dose of vitamin A, C and K and can help with improving your digestion and lowering blood pressure.

Beetroot Smoothie

Beetroot 1 Cup = 148mcg

I absolutely love beetroot – Cooked, juiced or eaten raw – beetroot is the super-food that just keeps on giving…. During pregnancy we need a higher immunity level to avoid various ailments and infections. ⠀⠀ Beetroot has excellent antioxidant properties making it the perfect choice for a super strong immunity.


They contain small amounts of betalain, which acts as a potent anti-inflammatory agent.
Plus research suggests that eating beetroot when pregnant can help in reducing pain and swelling in the joints. It goes without saying make sure your beetroot’s are thoroughly washed and scrubbed if using from raw, although in our house we bulk buy the ready cooked ones.

I started juicing beetroot’s in my second trimester as it’s not the easiest of tastes to handle with morning sickness and don’t consume more than two small beets a day.  As well as being packed for of folate they’re also an excellent source of fibre, manganese, potassium, iron and vitamin C.

smoothie recipe
orange juice and oranges

Orange 1 cup = 55mcg

Oranges supply around 80% of our daily Vitamin C needs as well as supporting our immune systems. Many of us guzzle down a glass of shop brought orange juice in the morning and convince ourselves we’ve met our vitamin C quota for the day, however the truth is due to the stressors that the body goes through during the day, we really need to ensure we’re getting our vitamin C throughout the day too.

Vitamin C is a Water Soluble Vitamin meaning it’s not naturally stored in the body. ⠀⠀


Pregnant woman need around 85mg a day which is the equivalent to 1 cup of strawberries or a large orange.

⠀⠀
Not only does it help in boosting our immune system and fighting the free radicals it also reduces your risk from iron deficiency anaemia in pregnancy. ⠀⠀


Vitamin C is crucial for your baby’s development aiding in the production of collagen which helps to support normal growth, bone strength and skin and tissue repair.
⠀⠀
Instead of reaching for the shop stuff which has gone through a myriad of processes before it reaches your fridge, try juicing up some fresh citrus fruits in the morning and adding to a glass of filtered water, followed by a bowl of fresh strawberries as a mid afternoon snack with some steamed broccoli on your plate with dinner.
⠀

container with wheatgerm pouring out

Wheatgerm 28g = 78mcg

Along with folate, wheatgerm is full of healthy fats and fibre and is a great source of vegetable protein. It also packs a hefty dose of zinc, potassium, thiamine and vitamin E. Add a tablespoon to your morning smoothie. Store your wheatgerm in an airtight container and check the sell by date before consuming. Due to the high fat content it doesn’t keep well so make sure you consume within the use by date.

list of folate foods wheatgerm, kidney beans lentils, beetroot, orange spinach

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thepregnancypantry

Vegan |Pregnancy |Nutrition
Do you remember when your mum use to tell you that Do you remember when your mum use to tell you that you need to drink your milk 🥛 everyday to get strong bones and teeth? 

My mum still does it now and I’m 40 🤦‍♀️

But did you know you can get your calcium from other means. 

Minerals are inorganic substances that are crucial to the balanced functioning of our body. They help build bone, skin, tissue and teeth and Calcium is just one of the 20 essential minerals that our body needs and is vital in the development and growth of your baby’s bones and to help maintain the health of yours throughout pregnancy too. ⠀⠀

Various dairy products such as cheese, milk and yogurt are all good examples of calcium rich food sources but what about if we’re following a vegan 🌱 lifestyle or like so many of us, avoid dairy altogether and opt for almond milk, oat milk and the many other dairy alternatives out there??
⠀⠀
If you’re following a vegan lifestyle you can still find plenty of calcium fortified foods out there such as breakfast cereals and breads. 

Plus Green leafy vegetables 🥬 such as kale as well as dairy alternatives that are fortified with calcium such as yogurts, rice milk, and oat milk. 

Calcium is important for bone health and the body adapts to ensure more calcium is absorbed, so higher intakes are not needed. Although saying that you need to be getting around 700mg -1000mg of calcium a day. 

If you can, try to aim for about four servings of calcium-rich foods daily. ⠀⠀

Happy 😃 healthy pregnancies to you all. Xx .
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#veganpregnancy #vegetarianpregnancy #plantbasedpregnancy #momtobe #thepregnancypantry #veganuary #vegangains  #veganprotein #veganinspiration #plantbased #plantbasedrecipes #plantbasedfood #veganpregnancy #plantbasedvegan #plantbasedlife #veganhealth #vegantreats #vegansofaustralia #plantbasedpower #plantbasedprotein #plantbasedfamily #plantbasedfoodie #plantbasednutrition
ARE YOU STRUGGLING WITH CONSTIPATION? 😳 Constip ARE YOU STRUGGLING WITH CONSTIPATION? 😳
Constipation hits us all, and never more so than when we’re pregnant, 
⁣
Combined with the added stresses and worry we have during pregnancy, there’s those crappy hormones (they have so much to answer for) which can cause the intestinal muscles to relax more slowing the whole digestive process down.
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many of us take prenatal vitamins that contain added iron which contributes to the slow down in the number of times we go. Everything backs up and before you know it, you’ve been sat on the loo for an hour and you still can’t go. 😫
⁣
If you’re struggling with constipation during pregnancy? Make this granola part of your morning routine, mix it up, add berries, bananas and any other toppings but keep the prunes and flax in there. 
 
250 Grams Rolled Oats
1/4 Cup Organic Natural Honey
1/4 Cup Coconut Oil for a dairy free option or butter melted
1/4 Cup Flaxseed
1/4 Cup  Sunflower Seeds, pumpkin seeds and flaked almonds 
1/2 Cup Chopped Prunes
1 tsp Cinnamon
1/2 tsp Mixed Spice ( optional)
 
1. Heat oven to 180°C / Gas Mark 4
2. Over a low heat melt the butter / coconut oil,cinnamon, mixed spice & honey together.
3. In  clean plastic bag put the nuts in & bash up with a rolling spoon, always good if you need to take some frustration out.
4. Add the nuts, seeds and flaxseed to the oats in  large bowl and stir in the melted butter mix
5. Combine the mixture well ensuring all the oats are fully coated.
6. Spread the mixture on a large baking tray and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown. Give the tray a shake every five minutes so that it colours evenly and doesn't burn.
7. Once cooled it will crisp up, stir in your chopped-prunes.
This keeps for a month in an airtight container. 
⁣
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#homemadegranola #digestivehealth #healthybreakfastideas #healthynutrition #healthygut #eatforhealth #eatwholefoods #foodmedicine #healthyfoodrecipes #healthyfoodshare #feedfeed #pregnancy #babybump #healthypregnancy #pregnancyproblems #thepregnancypantry #pregnancynutrition #babyontheway #pregnancyhealth #prenatalnutrition #pregnanthealth #pregnant_world #mypregnancyjourney #nourishyourself #healthymamas #pregnancyfoods #pregnancyfood
⭐DO WE NEED TO SUPPLEMENT IRON ON A PLANT BASED ⭐DO WE NEED TO SUPPLEMENT IRON ON A PLANT BASED PREGNANCY? ⭐⁠
⁠
Despite the immense importance of iron especially on a vegan diet – not many people are meeting their daily iron requirements.⁠
⁠
The reason we need additional iron during pregnancy is to create extra haemoglobin. ⁠
⁠
This helps move the oxygen from the mother’s lungs both through the body of the mother and the body of the baby. ⁠
⁠
Just as with non-pregnant people, if too little iron is consumed, iron deficiency anaemia can occur. This can cause the baby to grow at a slower rate than normal causing them to be too small and it can lead to premature birth.⁠
⁠
Some women choose to take iron supplements throughout pregnancy which is typically dosed at 30mg to cover the iron needs daily. Due to following a plant based diet I would certainly advocate for discussing your levels with your doctor or midwife who will be able to carry a blood test to determine if you’re deficient. ⁠
⁠
Not all women need to supplement with iron, BUT because iron found in plant based foods isn’t absorbed as easily as that found in animal products, women who do not include meat in their diet need to make sure they include a full range of green leafy vegetables, beans, lentils, seeds and iron rich fortified cereals. ⁠
⁠
Beetroot is loaded with iron, minerals and vitamins and contains vitamin C which will also help your body absorb iron even better.  This smoothie is a winning combo for boosting your iron levels - kick start the day with this each morning. ⁠
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#plantbasedlifestyle #plantbasedliving #plantbasednutrition #plantbasedfoods #plantpowered #plantbasedchef #ironrichsmoothie #beetrootsmoothie #healthyveganlife #vegetarianrecipes #vegetarianlife #plantbasedpregnancy #mypregnancyjourney #mommatobe #babyontheway #healthypregnancy #thepregnancypantry #happypregnancy #pregnancyfoods #pregnancyfitness #pregnancynutrition #fitpregnancy #pregnancyquotes #prenatalnutrition #pregnancyhealth #pregnanthealth #pregnancymemes #pregnantandperfect #fitpregnancyjourney #pregnancylifestyle
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  • Navigating a plant based pregnancy
    ▼
    • Plant Based Pregnancy
    • The Importance of Folic Acid During Pregnancy
    • Vitamin D Needs During Pregnancy
    • Iodine and Zinc and their role in pregnancy
    • Why Do we Need Calcium?
    • Where can we get our essential Omega Fatty Acids from?
    • How much Iron do we need during pregnancy?
    • The importance of protein – how to ensure we get sufficient amounts during a plant based pregnancy.
    • Importance of Fibre Throughout Pregnancy
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