As is known, the consumption of folic acid as a Supplement food before pregnancy and in the early stages can reduce the risk of deformation of the neural tube, however, several studies have shown how folic acid may have an impact on reducing the risk for Down syndrome.
On average, one out of 650 newborns is born with Down syndrome, and children born with this genetic syndrome usually have some degree of mental retardation, and specific appearance.
Although all the causes of this syndrome are still unknown, knows how maternal age and family history can increase the risk.
Scientists discovered that mothers of children born with deformities of the neural tube and Down syndrome have one common feature – they most often affects the problem of the metabolism of folic acid.Namely, folic acid from food supplements and from food folat, are not biologically active compounds but in the body with enzymes, in a few steps that must be converted to a biologically useful form 5-metiltetrahidrofolat (5-MTHF).
A certain percentage of the population has a genetic error, which is not making enough amount of the necessary enzyme or enzyme is not effective.
In a study published in the Lancet 2003. years, scientists discovered that Israel families with a history of deformation of the neural tube, the risk of Downovog syndrome is more than 5 times in comparison with families who do not have a history of neural tube defects.
It is possible how in the background deformation of the neural tube and Down syndrome is the inability of absorption and metabolism of folic acid, so it is recommended to introduce biologically active form 5-metilfolat which can directly meet the body’s needs for these nutrient and which in his actions does not depend on enzim or other compounds.
Excatly that active form of folic acid is in addition diet Prenatas diet which is intended for pregnant women, nursing mothers and women planning pregnancy.
Source: Barkai, Gad et al. Frequency of Down’s syndrome and neural-tube defects in the same family. Lancet 2003, 361 (9366); 1331 – 1335.