Folic acid not for me
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Topic: Folic acid not for me
Posted By: sweetpea
Subject: Folic acid not for me
Date Posted: 25 March 2010 at 2:43pm
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Ok ladies i want to know/hear from all of you out there who decided not to take folic acid while TTC and during pregnancy why did you decide to do this.
I am curious to hear your opionons/reasons. Oh and this is not meant to turn nasty just because i think its healthy to hear both sides of the coin as such. ------------- http://daisypath.com"> 
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Replies:
Posted By: kebakat
Date Posted: 25 March 2010 at 2:49pm
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I know you have asked who hasn't.. but this is another side..
I found out the hard way the importance of folic acid. Through morning sickness I threw up my folic acid pill all the time so likely wasn't getting enough folic acid and I had a spina bifida baby. So this time I'm on an increased amount and if I've thrown it up I've taken another. I'll do everything to prevent having another spina bifida bub. |
Posted By: WestiesGirl
Date Posted: 25 March 2010 at 3:03pm
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My sister has 3 children and for both pregnancies (she has twins) she never took folic acid and all 3 children are fine. I dunno why she didnt take it, I never asked.
Me personally, I wouldnt risk NOT taking it. I take Elevit during TTC and pregnancy cos its 1 tablet a day with all I need (personal preference). I guess age is something else that you would need to consider as well. ------------- Our Angel July 08  Gone but not forgotten
And to complete our family, our princess has arrived 
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Posted By: sweetpea
Date Posted: 25 March 2010 at 3:05pm
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Thanks for your input Stacey so pleased for you that you are expecting again wishing you all the best for this one. ------------- http://daisypath.com">
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Posted By: BugTeeny
Date Posted: 25 March 2010 at 3:05pm
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I know there are one or two on here who didn't take it, so hopefully they see this.
One school of thought is that if you have a balanced diet you'll get "enough" folate from your food. I took it, 'cos I'm of the "better to be safe than sorry" camp, though. ------------- 
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Posted By: caliandjack
Date Posted: 25 March 2010 at 3:09pm
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Partly it was Stacey's experiences, I read from OB, and not wanting to take the risk. Like everything I figured TTC and being pregnant isn't really for very long, and why take the risk. ------------- http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow">   [/url] Angel June 2012 |
Posted By: GuestGuest
Date Posted: 25 March 2010 at 3:21pm
| Seems odd that someone wouldn't take it. It's not like extra folic acid is bad for you and even if you eat well how can you 100% guarantee that you are getting the right daily dosage? |
Posted By: sweetpea
Date Posted: 25 March 2010 at 3:32pm
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Does anyone know what the occurance in life births of spina bifida is. I think its less then 1 in a 1000. Can someone confirm this ------------- http://daisypath.com">
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Posted By: _H_
Date Posted: 25 March 2010 at 3:36pm
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i wasnt taken it for a while only because i kept forgetting. i am now taking it every day as it isnt worth the risk ------------- http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow"> 
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Posted By: Jelly
Date Posted: 25 March 2010 at 3:37pm
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I've heard that it is 1 in 1000 too, although I may be remembering the wrong number of zeros.
Is there a reason not to take it? I've never heard anything bad about taking folic acid. ------------- http://lilypie.com">  
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Posted By: kebakat
Date Posted: 25 March 2010 at 3:39pm
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I think thats the rate in the US. But folic acid can also help prevent other birth defects. You'll find that people who have a history of birth defects end up on an increased amount of folic acid. Spina bifida is just the most well known one when it comes to folic acid.
Diet isn't also everything.. I was on a very good diet as I had been trying to loose weight. Loads of vege and fresh foods. And then if you get morning sickness it can be very hard to maintain a balanced diet. That's just another thing to consider. And age isn't a sure thing either as I'm only turning 25 at the end of the month so I'm not in any way in the "at risk" group. |
Posted By: sweetpea
Date Posted: 25 March 2010 at 3:42pm
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I just cam across some research indicating not to take it i would like to read more about the papers that were referenced in it. http://www.drfuhrman.com/library/folic_acid_dangers_and_prenatal_vitamins.aspx
Like anything you have to weigh up the good and the bad and make a decision on that. ------------- http://daisypath.com">
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Posted By: sweetpea
Date Posted: 25 March 2010 at 3:50pm
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The actual figures for NZ are really hard to find but this is what i have found. Would be interesting to know if its changed.
Despite the plethora of epidemiological research conducted on anencephalus and spina bifida, few of the studies have used multiple source case ascertainment and controlled for the effect of possible confounding factors. This paper reports the results from a study of the relationships between various risk factors and the prevalence of anencephalus and spina bifida in New Zealand during 1978-82, using case data obtained from multiple sources and a national cohort of births as the denominator. The rates of anencephalus and spina bifida in New Zealand were 0.78/1000 and 0.94/1000 total births, respectively. The rate of a neural tube defect (NTD) birth for Maori parents was less than for their non-Maori counterparts. Paternal ethnic origin and maternal ethnic origin made similar contributions to the model of anencephalus rates, but the results suggest that paternal ethnic origin is a less important risk factor in the prevalence of spina bifida. The rate of both NTD was high among female infants and low among births to women born in countries other than the British Isles and New Zealand. The rate of anencephalus showed a distinct north-south gradient, but there was no evidence of effects for maternal or paternal age, parity, urban-rural place of residence, nuptiality, social class or season of birth in the prevalence of either NTD in New Zealand. ------------- http://daisypath.com">
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Posted By: Jelly
Date Posted: 25 March 2010 at 3:52pm
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I just googled around a bit and came up with high doses may increase risk of cancer and taking folic acid after 30 weeks may cause asthma, but I didn't think 8mg was considered "high" and I didn't think we had to take it after the first trimester anyway? ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: Oxy
Date Posted: 25 March 2010 at 3:54pm
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I think it's up to the individual whether they take it or not. I dont think its bad if you decide not to take it
------------- http://www.fertilityfriend.com/home/250ed1" rel="nofollow">  TTC#1 Jan 2009 |
Posted By: caitlynsmygirl
Date Posted: 25 March 2010 at 3:56pm
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....I didn't understand a word of that article ....
I took it with both my children , and Im taking it now, Id rather be safe than sorry . ------------- 
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Posted By: LadyBee
Date Posted: 25 March 2010 at 4:09pm
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I will be using Folic.....Altho Ive been a bit slack recently in taking it every 2 - 3rd day .......As soon as Im UTD I definitely will be taking 8mg everyday, but I wont be buying elevit, just use my normal APO brand.
I guess its like not eating certain foods while pregnant due to risk of food poisining, not taking folic acid has a risk too It's a good point Kebakat about having MS and taking another pill to be sure 
I never knew that taking Folic Acid could be bad for you 
------------- TTC for 4 1/2 years IVF #1 - April 2012 short BFP, no frosties IVF #2 - August 2012, BFP!! 3 frosties! http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow"> 
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Posted By: AzzaNZ
Date Posted: 25 March 2010 at 4:57pm
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I couldn't even keep saliva down for the first few weeks and threw up my folic acid tablet every day as I swallowed it. BUT I'd been taking it the entire time TTC so hopefully had enough built up over that period.
I had blood tests done and my folate levels were good. I dont think I'd personally risk not taking it if I'd had a choice. ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
http://lilypie.com"> 
http://intermittentblogger.wordpress.com |
Posted By: caliandjack
Date Posted: 25 March 2010 at 5:14pm
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The reason its recommended to be taken while TTC is that by the time you find out your pregnant the neural tube has already formed, and is starting to close, so if you wait till then to start taking folic acid, it may be too late to prevent defects. ------------- http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow"> [/url] Angel June 2012 |
Posted By: AandCsmum
Date Posted: 25 March 2010 at 6:35pm
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I didn't take it while TTC cause I read that it is bad for you to take long term. No idea what dose though.
I also couldn't take it while pregnant as it made me vomit. On the days I didn't take it I didn't vomit. Cooper has lines like seams, one on his nose & his skull plates are not smooth. I do wonder if this is to do with folic acid seeing folic acid is for midline defects. ------------- Kel http://lilypie.com"> 
A = 01.02.04 & C = 16.01.09 & G = 30.03.12 |
Posted By: Smiles
Date Posted: 25 March 2010 at 6:40pm
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My 2 cents - I recently got the results back after my baby died at 11.5 weeks - there was nothing wrong with babys chromosomes or genetically. There was a structural defect and when I asked what caused this my OB said he thought it was linked to not having enough folic acid. I was taking 5mg through the first trimester and he says it may not have been enough.
After going through what I have I am prepared to take 16mg if I need to next time. |
Posted By: freckle
Date Posted: 25 March 2010 at 7:28pm
this is a timely reminder for me to get more FA  (ran out a few days ago)... I don't think I'd be prepared to risk it when it is harmless to take it, esp when you hear such sad stories like kebakat and Smile's   ------------- mum to 3 lovely girls :D |
Posted By: caitlynsmygirl
Date Posted: 25 March 2010 at 9:37pm
I totally agree :-( -------------
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freckle wrote:Posted By: sweetpea
Date Posted: 26 March 2010 at 11:58am
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I have few more numbers for those that are that way inclined. 14 Children were born in NZ with spina bifida in 2008 out of a total of 64343 live births. So if we do the math (14/64343)x1000 = 0.2175 So that equates to 0.2175/1000 live births The thinking is that this figure is alittle low and should preoperly be about four times higher so that would make it (.2175x4) 0.87/1000. The reasoning why they are thinking this figure is a little low is due to people having scans and choosing to terminate the pregnancy. This proberly happens with lots of other defects too. ------------- http://daisypath.com">
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Posted By: caliandjack
Date Posted: 26 March 2010 at 12:01pm
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While it might be a rare occurance, this is one of those times I'd hate to be the exception that proves the rule. ------------- http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow"> [/url] Angel June 2012 |
Posted By: caitlynsmygirl
Date Posted: 26 March 2010 at 12:06pm
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Agree
Im confused, are there risks to taking folic acid ? -------------
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Posted By: Hopes
Date Posted: 26 March 2010 at 12:18pm
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Also, it's great if it's a rare occurrence. P'raps that means that the consistant message our health-care providers are sending about taking folic acid is working, and less babies are being born affected because of that.
With something so generally reccomended, I'd never not take it unless I saw some pretty damn convincing evidence that the risks of taking it were worse than the risks of not taking it. -------------   
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Posted By: WestiesGirl
Date Posted: 26 March 2010 at 12:25pm
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Im also confused
No offence intended, but why would anyone want to take the risk and potentially become a statistic?? ETA Spelling. I meant statistic not static... ------------- Our Angel July 08 Gone but not forgotten
And to complete our family, our princess has arrived
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Posted By: sweetpea
Date Posted: 26 March 2010 at 12:40pm
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At the end of the day its only a reccomendation and its your choice if you decide to take it. Life is full of risk and i guess for some this is the risk that people choose to take.
------------- http://daisypath.com">
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Posted By: Shezamumof3
Date Posted: 26 March 2010 at 12:46pm
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Yeah life is full of risks, but when it comes to a little baby whos life is pretty much in your hands, why would you risk not taking it??
Its a tiny little pill that takes 2 seconds to take and if that helps stop the risk of birth defects then tis worth it in my opinion. ------------- |
Posted By: GuestGuest
Date Posted: 26 March 2010 at 12:53pm
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Reading that link you referenced it looks like they are saying the risk is developing cancer? Everything is linked to cancer these days, if we believed all of the so called cancer inducing things in the world we wouldn't eat or drink anything or even leave the house!
Do a search for research on how bad paracetamol is, or white bread or milk. The internet is full of info about how bad EVERYTHING is! |
Posted By: Hopes
Date Posted: 26 March 2010 at 1:08pm
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Yep. So unless there's real risks associated with taking it, it's like wearing a seatbelt before that was made mandatory. If you felt like risking your life, you were welcome to. If you preferred to take the precautions, you put the belt on. Only in this case it's the baby at risk, not yourself.
I do tend to take a dim view of people who would choose not to do something like that because they couldn't be bothered. I'm more understanding of people who read up the pros and cons and make a different (but still informed) choice to me. -------------
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Posted By: caliandjack
Date Posted: 26 March 2010 at 1:23pm
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Folic acid is only a B vitamin - I can't see how it would be harmful, it was approved to go into every loaf of bread for the entire country to consume. - Its realitively harmless - also with vitamins - what your body doesn't need tends to get excreted. ------------- http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow"> [/url] Angel June 2012 |
Posted By: sweetpea
Date Posted: 26 March 2010 at 1:28pm
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We seem to hear so much about the good for taking it and very little about the bad. prehaps thats because it hasn't been around for that long so the bad hasn't come out yet or prehaps its very well hidden. Time will tell I guess. ------------- http://daisypath.com">
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Posted By: caliandjack
Date Posted: 26 March 2010 at 1:47pm
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That's actually incorrect - folic acid or folate (the naturally occurring form) is essential to numerous bodily functions - and the human body needs it to help create and repair DNA. The principal source is from green leafy vegetables, however in western diets adequate intake may be lacking, hence the need to take supplements or cereals fortified with it. Its a B vitamin essential to human health, and vital to the development of a growing embryo. ------------- http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow"> [/url] Angel June 2012 |
Posted By: maya22
Date Posted: 26 March 2010 at 2:08pm
Maybe we don't hear very much about the negative effects of folic acid because on balance there aren't any? Sweetpea, it would be great if you could be a little more transparent about your reason for starting this thread. If you are worried about supplements while pegnant there are many many bigger things to be worried about. Folilc acid saves lives. Period. |
Posted By: Shezamumof3
Date Posted: 26 March 2010 at 2:12pm
Same here, Im rather stumped. ------------- |
Posted By: WestiesGirl
Date Posted: 26 March 2010 at 2:12pm
Ditto ------------- Our Angel July 08 Gone but not forgotten
And to complete our family, our princess has arrived
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Posted By: MummyFreckle
Date Posted: 26 March 2010 at 2:16pm
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I agree - I guess if we were all truly worried about cancer we wouldnt be using computers that emit radiation....... ------------- http://lilypie.com">  http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: sweetpea
Date Posted: 26 March 2010 at 2:24pm
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my reason for starting this thread is exactly as i stated in the begining I want to hear from those who choose not to take it during TTC and early preganacy and the reasons that lead them to make the decision.
------------- http://daisypath.com">
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Posted By: freckle
Date Posted: 26 March 2010 at 2:31pm
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I don't know anyone who hasn't taken it while TTC/early preg in recent years... I imagine the main reason for not taking it would be not being aware of it (or accidental pregnancy) rather than making a conscious choice not to take it... surely??? ------------- mum to 3 lovely girls :D |
Posted By: maya22
Date Posted: 26 March 2010 at 2:38pm
But what reason could there possibly be for deliberately not taking it? It is almost as if you want to bring about doubts about folic acid in TTC and early pregnancy and I am not sure that is at all helpful. The people in this thread are bombarded with information about risks and possibilities from everything from what they eat, to what they drink, to what sort of underwear their DP wears. I can't see how this thread is helpful in the slightest. |
Posted By: Bizzy
Date Posted: 26 March 2010 at 2:42pm
i think you will find in that case that there arent any women who made a conscious decision not to take it. i dont think its like a lot of other things related to pregnancy and babies where there is a potential risk/bad side effect related to it. sure there are lots of women who didnt take it, cause they forgot, couldnt be bothered, it made them sick etc... ------------- http://www.myfitnesspal.com/weight-loss-ticker"> 
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Posted By: Bizzy
Date Posted: 26 March 2010 at 2:47pm
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i've just done a bit of reading and i cant find anything that would indicate taking folic acid would be harmful for a healthy woman. ------------- http://www.myfitnesspal.com/weight-loss-ticker">
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Posted By: blondy
Date Posted: 26 March 2010 at 3:07pm
I cannot find any downsides to taking folic acid (except that high levels may interfere with anti-malarial treatment  ). In my mind, purposely choosing not to take folic acid when you know you are TTC or just pregnant, is like not wearing a helmet on a motorbike because it might mess your hair up! -------------  
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Posted By: caitlynsmygirl
Date Posted: 26 March 2010 at 3:37pm
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I have never heard of someone TTC then not taking folic acid, I would figure those that have TTC , want the baby they are in some cases long awaiting for, to be as healthy as possible.
I didn't know I was pregnant with C til 6 weeks, one of the first things I did was get FA , I wanted my unborn to get what it could from it , even if it had missed out those vital first few weeks . -------------
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Posted By: caraMel
Date Posted: 26 March 2010 at 3:55pm
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I didn't take FA with my first child because she was unexpected and I was clueless about what I should and shouldn't be doing.
By the time I found a midwife I was 11 weeks along and a bit late in the game to start it. Once I did read about it I began worrying about the potential risks I'd unwittingly put on my child. I'm with the other ladies in the "Why the heck would you deliberately not take it?" camp. Without meaning to be rude, I just can't figure out your reasoning on this one? Ok, statistics say that your child will more than likely be fine, but why risk it being that 1 in whatever when you can do something so easy to avoid it? Isn't it every TTC parent's hope to have a healthy baby? ------------- Mel, Mummy to E: 6, B: 4 and: 
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Posted By: Smiles
Date Posted: 26 March 2010 at 5:24pm
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I'm with the "everything causes cancer these days" post.
The chances of FA actually giving you cancer are just so small and to be honest forn the sake of mychild whom I'm making decisions on behalf of, I would take that risk. Plus the Internet is sh*t for puttin crazy things in our head. You can pretty much find a positive and negative for anything you look for. But no midwife, GP, OB or anyone else has ever told me not to take FA - in fact quite the opposite - they stress the importance. Oh, and lastly from me - when I got my results back about my lack of FA my OB said it had been a bad day for him - he'd just done a scan on one of his 20 week UTD patients and her baby's brain hadn't developed properly due to insufficient FA consumption. I personally don't need any more convincing. |
Posted By: kebakat
Date Posted: 26 March 2010 at 5:50pm
Couldn't agree more, going through the stuff with Jared every single person I saw asked me did you take folic acid, how much folic acid were you taking and as I was leaving hospital after having Jared the ob stressed to me the importance of taking my folic acid for at least 3 months prior to ttc |
Posted By: mummyofprinces
Date Posted: 26 March 2010 at 7:39pm
And I wonder what the rate would be if people stopped taking folic acid????? Stories like Kebakats and Smiles just reinforces to me the importance of taking this supplement. While I do believe each to their own, I just cant fathom why anyone would risk it at all..... I think if anyone is considering not taking folic acid they should speak with a medical professional and not the internet. Real facts from real professionals... -------------   
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Posted By: caliandjack
Date Posted: 26 March 2010 at 8:17pm
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Taking folic acid to prevent neural tube defects, to me is no different to eating fresh fruit and vege to avoid scurvy or going out in the sun to avoid rickkets.
We no longer think twice about doing these things, yet all these conditions were common place before people understand about vitamin deficiancy. It seems strange to willingly refuse to take something that is harmless and works. My MW warned me about Dr Google, as a lot of the stories are either untrue or simply to scare people. ------------- http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow"> [/url] Angel June 2012 |
Posted By: caitlynsmygirl
Date Posted: 26 March 2010 at 8:28pm
Holy crap ! don't mean to go OT , but Mel ! your UTD !!! huge congrats chick !!! -------------
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Posted By: caraMel
Date Posted: 28 March 2010 at 9:50am
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Hehe, thanks Kelly! ------------- Mel, Mummy to E: 6, B: 4 and:
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Posted By: queenbean
Date Posted: 28 March 2010 at 12:58pm
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Although I don't see it very often, it breaks my heart when I hear of someone deliberately not taking folic acid. I'm another spina bifida Mum, my first baby had it despite being on 0.8mg of FA for the 6 months we were TTC her and for the first 3 months of my pregnancy with her. No risk factors or family history here either. I was on 5mg FA when we were TTC my son, and although we aren't TTC at the moment, we're not TTA either and I'm taking it now too. It's a no-brainer for me.
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Posted By: caitlynsmygirl
Date Posted: 28 March 2010 at 1:07pm
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So there are people that deliberatly choose not to take it ?
im sorry if im being closed minded , but I just don't get it , its your childs life you are risking -------------
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Posted By: WRXnKids
Date Posted: 28 March 2010 at 3:59pm
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I take FA for the first 14wks because i believe research that its helpful and i stop taking it after 14wks cos i believe the research that its not helpful from then on. It what i chose to do based on what ive read.
I dont care what sweetpeas reasons are for her choice so long as she has reasons. My 2 cents worth anyway -------------   
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Posted By: Delli
Date Posted: 28 March 2010 at 5:48pm
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Folic Acid taker here.
Agree that as long as you have done your research and are comfortable with your decision, it's your choice on whether you take or don't take FA and it's not my place to try and convince you otherwise. We did some research before TTC and found overwhelming evidence (proven in study after study) that FA deficiency increases the chance that your baby will have a neural tube defect. There are very few papers on the correlation between taking FA and cancer (and quite a few papers link FA deficiency with causing cancer rather than taking FA causing cancer) and none that I could find had concrete evidence - most said further research needed to be done. Hope that makes sense. scholar.google.com is great for filtering out the actual scientific research from all the other crap that you get when just searching on the normal google search engine. Good luck ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: Rachel1982
Date Posted: 28 March 2010 at 9:05pm
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I also took folic acid before TTC and for the first 16 weeks of pregnancy.
After seeing the effects not only on the children born with neural tube defects but also their parents and the rest of their families, I cannot comprehend how or why anyone would willingly take the risk by deliberately not taking folic acid. There are so many things you can't control while TTC and pregnant, this is something we CAN control. I believe in everyone having a right to make an informed decision but there is far too much information on the web which is misleading and/or wrong. If in doubt always consult a professional such as an OB or MW or GP. ------------- http://lilypie.com">  
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Posted By: WestiesGirl
Date Posted: 28 March 2010 at 10:48pm
Sorry OT but thanks for this site. I didnt know it existed. Much better than untrusting Dr Google ------------- Our Angel July 08 Gone but not forgotten
And to complete our family, our princess has arrived
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Posted By: emz
Date Posted: 29 March 2010 at 9:58pm
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Hmm I don't get it, but I don't think I need to go on about it either.
The stats would be a lot higher for babies lost before the termination period too I would think? I personally would not risk it. We were TTC when I was 20 and I did all the research to know what I should and shouldn't be doing, was also going through a specialist who stressed the importance, regardless of age. I do wonder how you would feel if your child, god forbid, ended up having a birth defect that may (I say may, because as others have proven, FA doesn't stop all birth defects) have been prevented had you taken FA. They prescribe it and advise on it for a damn good reason. |
Posted By: NZ-rules
Date Posted: 30 March 2010 at 7:59pm
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I feel the need to comment on this topic!
I took FA for the first 16 weeks, and bubs is so far healthy and normal. For me I just can't understand why you'd not take it. I got mine for $3 on perscription, so for the price of a cup of coffee it's hardly expensive. I had no adverse health effects (unsurprising as none have been conclusively linked to taking FA), and the pills are teeny tiny so not a problem to swallow. My mum was part of the FA trials with Otago Uni back in 1981 (when pregnant with me), so when you think it has been used in human pregnancies (not just animal trials) for close to 30 years, and MWs, docs, OBs etc recommend you take it, why wouldn't you? If I can do this one small thing to save my baby's life I think it would be irresponsible of me not to. ------------- 
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Posted By: cuppatea
Date Posted: 30 March 2010 at 8:26pm
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This one is new to me.
I read that article you linked to and I think I would have been more convinced if he hadn't been peddling his own vitamin supplements. I guess you have to weigh it up like everything else in life. Personally I know how sick I get during the 1st trimester and so would always take it (even if there is a small associated risk) as I'm pretty sure that I wouldn't be getting enough folate from other sources and would rather take an artificial supplement than risk not taking it when the research is so substantially in favour of taking it. I think also if you are going to look at stats you need to look at those in a country where they don't regularly take folic acid as obviously the incidents of babies born with neural tube defects in this country would be low because most women take folic acid or find the stats from before they starting recommending its use. ------------- 
 
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