Folic acid is a B vitamin that can help prevent birth defects of the brain and spinal cord called neural tube defects (NTDs).  Folic acid works to prevent these birth defects only if taken before pregnancy and in the first few weeks of pregnancy.

Folic acid is recommended for all women of childbearing age because 50 percent of pregnancies in this country are unplanned.  The March of Dimes recommends that all women who can become pregnant take a multivitamin that contains 400 micrograms of folic acid every day and eat a healthy diet.

The Institute of Medicine also recommends that women eat a diet rich in foods that contain folate or folic acid.  Folate is the natural form of folic acid that is found in foods.  Orange juice, other citrus fruits and juices, leafy green vegetables, beans, peanuts, broccoli, asparagus, peas, lentils and whole grain products all contain folate.  Synthetic (manufactured) folic acid is added to certain grain produces, including flour, rice, pasta, cornmeal, bread and cereals.  These foods are considered "fortified" with folic acid.

The Institute of Medicine recommends that women increase their intake of synthetic folic acid to 600 micrograms a day once their pregnancy is confirmed.  Most doctors recommend a prenatal vitamin that contains at least this amount of folic acid.  However, women should not take more than 1,000 micrograms (or 1 milligram) without their doctor's advice.

March of Dimes Resource Center
888-MODIMES
www.modimes.org

Page Last Updated:  12/16/2004

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