Can We Talk About Folic Acid?
(FN704, Reviewed Oct. 2022)Half of all pregnancies in women from age 18 to 24 are unplanned. Since birth defects develop early in pregnancy, starting to take folic acid now is important.
What is It?
OK, so you’ll think about taking folic acid, but what is it exactly?
Folic acid is a human-made form of the B vitamin folate, and is necessary for making new, healthy cells in the body.
Everyone Needs It
Recent studies have shown that folic acid may reduce the risk of cardiac disease and certain types of cancers. Some studies suggest it also might help lower the risk of getting Alzheimer’s disease.
Helpful Info for Everyone
Making a small decision to take folic acid can greatly impact you, any children you might have and your future. For more information, visit:
Unplanned!
Half of all pregnancies in women from age 18 to 24 are unplanned. That’s a lot.
What if you get pregnant? You want your baby to be as healthy as possible.
You’ve probably heard about this vitamin called folic acid, and it can make a big difference. Here’s why:
1 in 1,000
About one in 1,000 babies in the U.S. will suffer from a neural tube defect. These are birth defects that affect the structure that will become the baby’s brain and spinal cord. Without
folic acid, the baby’s spine could be exposed, or its brain won’t develop properly.
Fight Defects!
Since birth defects develop early in pregnancy, starting to take folic acid now is important. This can prevent up to 70 percent of neural tube defects Folic acid also might prevent other types of birth defects of the limbs, heart and face.
400 Micrograms
That’s where you come in. You probably are not planning on becoming pregnant. You’re in school and working hard. That’s not for you right now. Getting 400 micrograms of folic acid every day (and you have lots of ways to get it) is a decision that will impact your future, both planned and unplanned, by ensuring the health of your baby some day.
Take Action
You can get folic acid a lot of different ways. Check nutrition labels (such as the one below) to see how much folic acid is in the foods you eat. Many cereals are enriched with folic acid, so one bowl meets the recommended daily amount. And you are able to get it from more than just cereal. Certain foods, such as cooked dry edible beans, rice, broccoli, kiwi, strawberries and orange juice, all contain folate.
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 1 cup (29g)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 130
Calories from Fat 10
% Daily Value
Total Fat 1g 2%
Saturated Farg 0g 0%
Trans Fat 0g
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Monounsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 200mg 8%
Potassium 85mg 2%
Total Carbohydrate 23g 8%
Dietary Fiber 3g 10%
Sugars 6g
Other Carbohydrates 14g
Protein 2g
Vitamin A 10%
Vitamin C 25%
Calcium 10%
Iron 100%
Vitamin D 10%
Vitamin E 100%
Thiamin 100%
Riboflavin 100%
Niacin 100%
Vitamin B6 100%
Folic Acid 100%
Vitamin B12 100%
Pantothenic Acid 100%
Phosphorus 8%
Magnesium 6%
Zinc 100%
Copper 2%
Take Folic Acid
“I don’t like any of those foods, and I don’t have time to check nutrition labels.”
That’s OK. Getting folic acid other ways is easy. One very simple and effective way to add folic acid to your diet is to make sure your multivitamin has enough folic acid, 400 micrograms.
