Folic acid is a water-soluble B-complex vitamin and found in most prenatal vitamins. It is very important for women who are trying to conceive or who are pregnant to prevent abnormalities in an unborn baby.
Folic acid, when taken before becoming pregnant or during the first several weeks of pregnancy, can help prevent serious birth defects of the brain and spine.
The risk of neural tube defects such as spina bifida (when the spinal column doesn't close) and anencephaly (when the neural tube doesn't close, leaving incomplete brain and spinal cord development) can be reduced by well over 50%, when a woman consumes the proper amount of folic acid prior to conception and early in the first trimester.
The risk of other birth defects such as cleft lip, cleft palate and certain heart defects including congenital heart disease can be reduced also, with the required amount of folic acid.
It is recommended that women of childbearing age get 200-400 micrograms of folic acid a day (since many pregnancy are unplanned) and no less than 400 micrograms starting at least one month prior to (and during) pregnancy, if possible. However, you shouldn't take more than 1,000 micrograms (or 1 milligram) of folic acid, without your doctor or midwife's permission.
If you've previously given birth to a child with neural tube defects, your doctor or midwife may recommend a much larger dose of folic acid (sometimes as much as 4,000 micrograms or 4 milligrams) daily at least one month before a subsequent pregnancy.
Folic acid supplements is an easy way to be sure you're getting enough folic acid, especially if you're a strict vegetarian. Most prenatal vitamins contain an adequate amount, but check the label to be on the safe side. Your vitamins should contain 400 micrograms (400 mcg) or 100% of the Daily Value (DV) of folic acid.
Folate-Rich Foods
Some pre-packaged breakfast cereals and breads have been fortified with folic acid, due to new requirements by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Other foods that contain added folic acid include many grain products such as flour, rice, pasta and cornmeal. The labels should say the product contains 100% of the DV of folic acid.
Folic acid can be found in many fruits and vegetables including oranges, orange juice, pineapple juice, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, papaya, grapefruit, cantaloupe, honeydew melon, spinach, iceberg and romaine lettuce, asparagus, cauliflower, broccoli, raw celery, cabbage, winter squash, peas and corn. Other sources of folic acid include kidney beans, lentils, tofu, peanuts and peanut butter.
Foods to Eat During Pregnancy
Why are Dairy, Iron and Protein Important?
Why is Calcium and Water Important?
Folic Acid and Pregnancy
Foods to Avoid
