Final answer:
Folic acid stores in the liver last about 12 to 16 weeks. Adequate intake is critical for pregnant individuals to prevent neural tube defects and support overall pregnancy health.
Step-by-step explanation:
The storage amounts of folic acid in an adult human liver would last about 3 to 4 months or approximately 12 to 16 weeks. This is based on the liver's capacity to store about 5-20 mg of folic acid and the daily requirement of approximately 300-400 µg. Folic acid is crucial for preventing neural tube defects in developing embryos, which is why a daily intake of at least 400 µg is recommended for women who may become pregnant.
Additionally, most nutrients, including folic acid, calcium, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids, are needed in greater amounts during pregnancy to support both the pregnant individual and the developing offspring. The daily requirement of folic acid for an adult human can be easily supplied by the intestinal flora. A pregnant person needs to maintain a healthy diet supplemented with vitamins to ensure the best pregnancy outcome.