If a woman has enough folic acid in her body before she becomes pregnant, it can help prevent major birth defects in her baby’s brain and spine, like spina bifida.  These defects are called neural tube defects (NTDs).  Women need to take folic acid before they become pregnant to help prevent NTDs.

The best way to get enough folic acid is to take a multivitamin daily containing 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid.  Folic acid is also found in the following foods:

• Fortified breakfast cereals
• Lentils
• Asparagus
• Spinach
• Black Beans
• Orange juice
• Enriched breads and pasta
• Romaine lettuce
• Broccoli

Whether you’re planning on becoming pregnant or not, get 400 mcg of folic acid in your diet daily in a vitamin supplement and/or in foods.

Folic acid is also good for mom and dad.  Recent studies suggest that folic acid may help fight heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers.

Sources: March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation, www.marchofdimes.com and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, www.cdc.gov.