The first three months of pregnancy are a critical period for the baby's development, especially the development of the neural tube in the first few weeks of conception. Timely supplementation of folic acid during this time can promote the closure of the neural tube and reduce the occurrence of spinal bifida. However, the loss rate of folic acid in food after cooking and processing can reach 50% to 90%, making it difficult to obtain sufficient folic acid from diet alone. Therefore, it is recommended to supplement 400 micrograms of folic acid daily before and during the first three months of pregnancy to effectively prevent the occurrence of neural tube defects in newborns. In addition, it is recommended to consume foods rich in folic acid before and during pregnancy:
Vegetables: spinach, lettuce, carrots, cauliflower, kelp, rapeseed, bok choy, mushrooms, etc.
Fruits: grapes, oranges, cherries, bananas, strawberries, peaches, bayberries, pomegranates, kiwis, jujubes, pears, etc.
Animal products: liver, kidneys, poultry meat, and eggs from animals such as beef, lamb, pork liver, and chicken.
Legumes and nuts: walnuts, cashews, chestnuts, almonds, pine nuts, etc.
Grains: barley, rice bran, wheat germ, brown rice, etc.
