The Truth About Supplements

Folic Acid

One vitamin that most doctors can get behind is folic acid. Recommended mainly for pregnant women for the health of the developing baby, folic acid helps the body make healthy new cells. Taking this vitamin before and during pregnancy can help prevent birth defects like spina bifida (an incomplete closing of the spinal column around the spinal cord) and anencephaly (the absence of a portion of the brain, skull and scalp). Women of childbearing potential and those who are pregnant need between 400 and 800 micrograms of folic acid every day. If you’re pregnant or trying to become pregnant, talk to your doctor and pharmacist about adding more folic acid into your diet.
Review Date: 
October 23, 2015

Last Updated:
October 23, 2015