Babies, Beets, megaloBlastic anemia

This article investigates the total folate and folic acid intake from foods and dietary supplements. This study aims to determine the differences in dietary and total folate intake for different age groups, ethnic groups, and sexes. From this study, it can be seen that 53% of the United States population used dietary supplements and of that 53%, 34.5% used dietary supplements that contained folic acid.  In addition, total folate intake was higher in men compared to women. Because of this, improved folate intake is targeted towards women, especially women of childbearing age. Bailey, R. L.; Dodd, K. W.; Gahche, J. J.; Dwyer, J. T.; McDowell, M. A.; Yetley, E. A.; Sempos, C. A.; Burt, V. L.; Radimer, K. L.; Picciano, M. F., Total folate and folic acid intake from foods and dietary supplements in the United States: 2003–2006. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2010, 91 (1), 231-237. URL: https://academic.oup.com/ajcn/article/91/1/231/4597104

This article talks about the importance of folates during early embryogenesis. It is reported that folic acid supplementation in the periconceptional period can protect embryos from malformations. Reasons for this are because folic acid is involved in the embryo's homocysteine- remethylation pathway. Folate deficiency can compromise genomic integrity as well as disrupt the normal methylation states of genes including cell proliferation, cellular differentiation to form tissues, and the migration of cells to their final locations. Overall, the disruption of these fundamental processes lead to and can result in the birth of a malformed infant. Finnell, R. H.; Shaw, G. M.; Lammer, E. J.; Brandl, K. L.; Carmichael, S. L.; Rosenquist, T. H., Gene–nutrient interactions: importance of folates and retinoids during early embryogenesis. Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology 2004, 198 (2), 75-85. URL: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0041008X0

but these three B's all have something important that links them together... vitamin B9 also known as folate! Folate is an essential B vitamin found in green, leafy vegetables known for its important role in cell development. Babies and folate: Because folate plays an important role in cell development, differentiation, and morphogenesis; you can imagine how important it is for babies and embryos. Without folate, fertilization, the cell-cyle, and embryonic development would not occur. In fact, a deficiency in folate during pregnancy can lead to severe birth defects known as neural tube defects. Neural tube defects affect the brain or spinal cord in newborns and can ultimately cause problems in overall health. For expecting mothers, making sure you are getting enough folate is essential in the development and health of your child. Beets and folate: As mentioned before, folate can be found in green, leafy vegetables but can be found in beets too! Along with legumes, asparagus,