Taking folic acid before and during pregnancy has been shown to reduce neural tube defects.  The folic acid found in most over the counter multi-vitamins works best for good health.  The best way for women to know that they are getting enough folic acid is to take a multi-vitamin that has at least 400 mcg of folic acid in it every day.

Studies suggest that folic acid may also protect your baby from certain types of other birth defects related to the heart, limbs and face. It’s shown that it may also help protect women and men from types of heart disease and certain cancers.

Folic acid is a B vitamin.  There are a lot of foods high in folate which is the natural form of vitamin B.  Foods such as beans, green leafy vegetables and orange juice.

Make sure to discuss with your doctor what type of multi-vitamin your taking or folic acid supplement to see if it’s right for you.

Armity A. Simon, M.D.  OBGYN, Scottsdale, Az.

Tags: Folic Acid, Pregnancy