Mercedes is 27 years old and would like to have a baby. Before she tries to conc
ID: 127093 • Letter: M
Question
Mercedes is 27 years old and would like to have a baby. Before she tries to conceive, (she is not pregnant yet!) she wants to be sure she is in the best possible health. She consults her physician who gives her a clean bill of health but suggests she make sure she is getting enough folate.
Mercedes records her food intake for 4 days and then averages her totals to determine her folate intake. Her average daily intake for folate is 193 mcg.
3. What food(s) can Mercedes add to her diet above to meet at least 100% of her folate DRI? List the food(s), their amount, (1/2 cup, etc) and their folate content.
Food (include volume/amount!) Amount of Folate mcg (Nutrient Content)
Current intake 193 mcg (you need to provide 100%DRI
Explanation / Answer
The daily recommended intake (DRI) of folate/folic acid for pregnant women is, 600 mcg.
As Mercedes is taking 193 mcg of folate, she has to take additional 407 mcg of folic acid. She can consider including the following foods in her diet:
Beef liver, braised, 3 ounces - 215 mcg
Spinach boiled, 1/2 cup - 131 mcg
Black-eyed peas (cowpeas), boiled, ½ cup - 105 mcg.