B vitamin prevents birth defects - Dietician

Ms Yemisi Olowookere, a dietician with the Garki Hospital, Abuja, on Monday said that B vitamin could help to prevent serious birth defects on baby’s brain and spine.

Olowookere told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that enough folic acid in the body required small effort but could make a big difference.

She said that although unplanned pregnancies happened every day,  women could, however, get folic acid in a multivitamin and in some enriched foods such as peas.

According to her, peas are appropriate food for pregnant or lactating women.
They are also rich in foliates, which prevent fatal nervous system malformation.
"The green peas are one of the few fresh vegetables that are rich in B-complex vitamins as they contain vitamins B1, B2, B3 and B6."

According to her, the nutrients play vital roles in the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates and fats as well as assist in energy production, which sustains numerous activities in the body.
She also said that the vegetable was a good source of iron which helps to prevent anaemia and fatigue.
"Green peas are highly recommended vegetable for healthy bones."
Olowookere said legume was a good source of vitamin K1, which activated non-collagen protein in the bones.

She said one cup of boiled peas provides about 50 per cent of the recommended daily value of vitamin K1.
"Vitamin K supports healthy blood clotting, which improves cardiovascular health and lowers the risk of stroke. Foods that contain pyridoxine and folic acid also help to improve bone health. You may have been one of those that carefully separate peas from other foods on your plate to avoid eating them. If so, there is still time to give these little seeds another try, particularly if you suffer from coronary disease," she said.
She, however, advised women to take folic acid even if one was not prepared to have a baby to maintain a healthy lifestyle.