B vitamin may reduce risk of heart defects in newborns

May 9, 2000 in Heart Health, Nutrition for Children and Teenagers, Vitamins, Minerals, Supplements

B vitamin may reduce risk of heart defects in newborns

Women planning to become pregnant are advised to take a vitamin containing 400 micrograms of folic acid each day in order to reduce the risk of a birth defect called spina bifida in their babies should they become pregnant. A new study provides another reason for women to take vitamins: US researchers report that women who took multivitamins before becoming pregnant or during the first month of pregnancy had a 24% lower risk of having babies with heart defects. The researchers did not detect a reduced risk in women who started taking vitamins during the second or third month of pregnancy. The study findings suggest that most heart defects occur as the fetus develops in the first month of pregnancy. During pregnancy women need 600 mcg of folic acid each day from a supplement and foods such as spinach, lentils, orange juice, asparagus, artichokes and enriched whole grains.

All research on this web site is the property of Leslie Beck Nutrition Consulting Inc. and is protected by copyright. Keep in mind that research on these matters continues daily and is subject to change. The information presented is not intended as a substitute for medical treatment. It is intended to provide ongoing support of your healthy lifestyle practices.