Taking folic acid before and during pregnancy has been shown to reduce neural tube defects.  The folic acid found in most over the counter multi-vitamins works best for good health.  The best way for women to know that they are getting enough folic acid is to take a multi-vitamin that has at least 400 mcg of folic acid in it every day.

Studies suggest that folic acid may also protect your baby from certain types of other birth defects related to the heart, limbs and face. It’s shown that it may also help protect women and men from types of heart disease and certain cancers.

Folic acid is a B vitamin.  There are a lot of foods high in folate which is the natural form of vitamin B.  Foods such as beans, green leafy vegetables and orange juice.

Make sure to discuss with your doctor what type of multi-vitamin your taking or folic acid supplement to see if it’s right for you.

Armity A. Simon, M.D.  OBGYN, Scottsdale, Az.

Medical research is proving that Vitamin D benefits the brain as well as the bones, and may be a significant factor in helping older people stay healthy and vital. Known as the Sunshine Vitamin because exposure to sunlight triggers synthesis in the skin, it is also available through dairy foods and fatty fish such as halibut and cod. It plays an essential role in the metabolic process, aiding in the absorption of calcium and promoting bone strength. Without adequate blood levels of this important vitamin, bones can become soft, brittle, or misshappen, and deficiency leads to devastating skeletal diseases like rickets and osteomalacia. Research expands the list of Vitamin D benefits Medical science is discovering that building strong bones is just one of many key roles this vitamin plays in overall health. New research is uncovering more and more ways in which strengthens, protects, and enhances body functions.

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As a practicing OBGYN in Scottsdale, I know the importance of Vitamin D for bone health. It is well known that Vitamin D binds to Calcium so that Calcium can be absorbed in our body. By taking daily doses of both vitamins, as well as daily weight bearing exercise, we reduce our risk of developing osteoporosis. (more…)