Question

Folate (from foods such as spinach and black-

eyed peas) and folic acid (from fortified foods
such as enriched grains and from supplements)
are especially important for which of the
following groups?
Children under 2 years old
Athletes
Women of childbearing age
All of these

Answer 1

Women of childbearing age

Step-by-step explanation:

The water-soluble vitamin B9 is available naturally as folate and available synthetically as folic acid in fortified supplements

Folate or folic acid is highly essential for women during the childbearing ages, before and during pregnancy.

An RDA of 400 micrograms of folate/folic acid per day should be taken from before the pregnancy period and at least till 12 weeks.

Folic acid plays a major role in the synthesis of red blood cells and in the neural development (brain and spinal cord) of the baby. Folate help prevent congenital neural defects like spina bifida and other birth defects.

Dietary folate alone is not enough to support the needs during childbearing period, hence folic acid supplements can be taken as directed by the physician.