Folic Acid Awareness Week: Why Women Need This Test Before Pregnancy

What Is Folic Acid Awareness Week?

Folic Acid Awareness Week is observed annually from September 14 to 20, during the second full week of September. The goal is to educate the public, particularly women of childbearing age, about the vital role of folic acid in preventing serious birth defects and promoting overall health.

Health organisations focus on this critical nutrient, folic acid (a synthetic form of folate — vitamin B9), to encourage proactive measures, dietary changes, supplementation, and testing to ensure women have optimal folic acid levels before and during pregnancy.

Why Is Folic Acid Important for Health?

Folic acid is essential for the healthy development and function of all cells in the body. It plays a key role in DNA synthesis, repair, and regulation, making it particularly important during periods of rapid growth, such as pregnancy and infancy. For adults, folic acid supports red blood cell production, helps prevent anaemia, and contributes to brain health. Adequate intake is also linked to better cardiovascular health, as it helps reduce levels of homocysteine, a risk factor for heart disease.

But folic acid's most well-known benefit is its ability to prevent neural tube defects (NTDs) in developing babies. These birth defects, which include conditions like spina bifida and anencephaly, occur when the neural tube fails to close properly in the first month of pregnancy. Folic Acid Awareness Week works towards spreading the knowledge that ensuring sufficient folic acid intake before and during early pregnancy can dramatically reduce the risk of these serious complications.

Folic Acid and Pregnancy: Preventing Birth Defects

One of the important reasons for the Folic Acid Awareness Week theme is to highlight the nutrient's role in preventing serious birth defects. Folic acid helps prevent neural tube defects, which are malformations of the brain and spine that develop in the first 28 days after conception. Since this is often before a woman realises she's pregnant, taking folic acid supplements before pregnancy is crucial. Daily supplementation with at least 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid before conception and during early pregnancy can reduce the risk of neural tube defects by up to 70%.

Daily Folic Acid Requirements: How Much Do You Need?

Based on international health guidelines (NIH & WHO), the recommended daily intake of folic acid depends on your age and life stage:

For women planning a pregnancy or who could become pregnant, the CDC recommends taking at least 400 mcg of folic acid daily, starting at least one month before conception and continuing through the first trimester. Some women with a family history of NTDs or certain health conditions may need higher doses. Always consult your doctor for personalised recommendations.

Natural Sources of Folic Acid You Should Include in Your Diet

While supplements are an easy way to ensure you're meeting your daily folic acid needs, many foods are also naturally rich in folate, the natural form of vitamin B9. Incorporating these folic acid foods into your diet is a great way to boost your intake:

• Dark leafy greens (spinach, kale, collard greens)
• Legumes (lentils, beans, peas)
• Asparagus
• Broccoli
• Avocado
• Citrus fruits (oranges, grapefruits)
• Brussels sprouts
• Nuts and seeds
• Fortified cereals and bread

By making these nutritious foods a regular part of your diet, you'll be taking a proactive step towards better health.

The Role of Diagnostics During Folic Acid Awareness Week

While focusing on dietary improvements is important, diagnostic testing also plays a key role in Folic Acid Awareness Week 2025. Folate blood tests measure serum folate and red blood cell folate to help identify deficiency, allowing early intervention and prevention of complications.

Here are some key points to keep in mind:

• Blood tests measure both serum folate and red blood cell folate levels to assess your body's folic acid status.
• Testing is important for women with dietary restrictions, gastrointestinal disorders, or genetic conditions that affect folate absorption.
• Early detection and treatment of folic acid deficiency can prevent anaemia and reduce the risk of NTDs in future pregnancies.
• During Folic Acid Awareness Week, many health campaigns encourage at-risk groups to talk with their doctors about testing and supplementation needs.

If you're unsure about your folic acid levels, don't hesitate to ask your doctor about getting tested. A simple blood test can offer valuable insights into your nutritional status and guide your health decisions.

Global and Indian Context: Why Awareness Matters

Neural tube defects remain a significant global health concern, with higher rates observed in regions where folic acid intake is insufficient. In India, the prevalence of NTDs is among the highest worldwide, making awareness and prevention a top priority. Many countries have already implemented folic acid fortification programmes. However, public education initiatives like Folic Acid Awareness Week ensure that women understand the importance of adequate intake, especially before and during pregnancy.

By sharing the history of Folic Acid Awareness Week, along with its benefits and ways for women to get enough nutrients, we can help prevent birth defects and improve maternal and child health in India and worldwide.

How to Participate in Folic Acid Awareness Week

There are many ways individuals and communities can get involved during Folic Acid Awareness Week.

Some of the best ways are:

• Share educational materials, such as the Folic Acid Awareness Week History, folic acid's role in health, food and supplements for folic acid, etc., on social media.
• Organise or attend webinars, workshops, or health camps focused on folic acid and pregnancy wellness.
• Encourage women of childbearing age to discuss with their doctors about folic acid supplementation.
• Advocate for food fortification policies in local communities.
• Distribute flyers, posters, or digital content in schools, clinics, and community centres to spread awareness about the Folic Acid Awareness Week theme.
• Collaborate with local health departments to support testing and supplementation drives.

Conclusion: Folic Acid Awareness Week Is a Step Towards Better Health

Folic Acid Awareness Week 2025 serves as an important reminder of the lifesaving benefits of this essential nutrient. By spreading awareness, encouraging diagnostic testing, and promoting healthy dietary and supplementation habits, we can help improve the health of women and babies. Taking action during this week empowers women to prioritise their health before pregnancy, laying the foundation for healthier families worldwide.

At Metropolis Healthcare, we understand the importance of early detection and prevention. Our network of diagnostic labs across India offers accurate folic acid blood tests and other essential health check-ups. We offer the convenience of at-home sample collection by qualified technicians and easy access to reports via email and the Metropolis TruHealth app. We're committed to delivering reliable results and personalised care to help you take charge of your health. This Folic Acid Awareness Week, consider getting tested and taking steps towards a healthier future.

FAQs

1. When is Folic Acid Awareness Week observed?

Folic Acid Awareness Week is observed annually from September 14 to 20, during the second full week of September.

2. Why is folic acid important for pregnant women?

Folic acid is crucial for pregnant women because it significantly reduces the risk of neural tube defects (NTDs) like spina bifida and anencephaly in developing babies. Taking adequate folic acid before and during early pregnancy can prevent up to 70% of these serious birth defects.

3. What are the best natural sources of folic acid?

Some of the best natural sources of folate (folic acid) include leafy green vegetables, legumes, citrus fruits, avocados, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, nuts, seeds, and fortified grains. Incorporating these foods into your diet can help boost your folic acid intake.

4. How much folic acid should you take daily?

The recommended daily intake of folic acid varies by age and life stage. Generally, adult women should aim for 400 mcg per day. Women who are pregnant need 600 mcg daily, while breastfeeding women require 500 mcg. Always consult your doctor for personalised dosage advice.

5. Can folic acid deficiency be diagnosed with a test?

Yes, folic acid deficiency can be diagnosed with a blood test that measures both serum folate and red blood cell folate levels. These tests can help identify individuals who may need additional supplementation or diet changes to prevent complications like anaemia and NTDs.

6. How can communities raise awareness during this week?

Communities can raise awareness about the Folic Acid Awareness Week 2025 by organising educational events, distributing informational materials, promoting folate-rich diets, and using social media to spread the word. Doctors, schools, workplaces, and community organisations can all play a role in these efforts.