Folic acid is a B vitamin that the body uses to make new cells. Everyone needs folic acid, and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is especially vital for women before and during pregnancy. This is because folic acid can help prevent major birth defects like anencephaly and spina bifida. Anencephaly is a serious condition in which a baby is born without parts of the brain or skull, and spina bifida is a condition that affects the spine. Spina bifida can contribute to potentially severe physical and intellectual disabilities.
The CDC notes that it is important for women of reproductive age, including those who are not attempting to get pregnant, to get 400 micrograms of folic acid each day. This is because major birth defects of the baby’s brain or spine occur very early in pregnancy, typically between three and four weeks after conception. Many women are not even aware they are pregnant at that point, and this is especially true for women who are not trying to become pregnant.
By ensuring that they include enough folic acid in their diets, women of reproductive age can greatly reduce the risk of giving birth to a child with major birth defects. According to the CDC, most vitamins sold in the United States include 400 micrograms of folic acid. However, it is still important to read product labels and/or speak with a physician prior to purchasing a bottle of vitamins.
Fortified foods, including some breads and breakfast cereals, contain the recommended daily amount of folic acid. Other foods that contain folic acid are leafy green vegetables, fruits, dried beans, peas, nuts, and other grain products.
