Tyson Health Flyer (APR 2021)

April
Folic acid
for
healthy babies
What is folic acid?
Folic acid is a B vitamin found in dark, green
leafy vegetables. It helps grow healthy red
blood cells. It is also very important in
preventing neural tube defects (NTDs), a type
of birth defect that affects the spine, skull and
brain as a baby forms inside its mother. Folic
acid helps if it’s taken before getting pregnant
and during the first three months of pregnancy.
The most common types of NTDs are spina
bifida and anencephaly. In babies with spina
bifida, a portion of the spinal cord develops
outside the body. In babies with anencephaly,
the brain and skull bones do not form properly.
The risk of these birth defects is much
lower when a woman takes folic acid before
conception through two to three months
after becoming pregnant.
Foods with folic acid
Folic acid is in many foods, like dark, leafy
green vegetables, dried beans and peas,
and fruits like oranges, bananas, melons,
and most berries. But often it’s not enough.
To help women get the amount they need,
the FDA requires folic acid to be added to
enriched breads, breakfast cereals, pastas, rice,
and other grains. A daily supplement containing
400 mcg of folic acid is important if you are
planning to have a baby or are newly pregnant.
Meet Our Case Manager
Lisa Gaertner,
R.N., C.C.M.
“Through
education and
support, I help our
members achieve
their goals and
encourage them to
live the best lives
they can live.”
Lisa Gaertner, R.N., C.C.M., a BlueAdvantage
Administrators of Arkansas case manager,
has 27 years of nursing experience in
geriatrics, hospice and long-term care.
Lisa’s daily goal is to provide compassionate
support to members while educating them
about their healthcare benefits. When Lisa
isn’t helping members, she enjoys cooking
and traveling.
00046.01.01-0421