- The ARC - California Edition -

Important Information About Folic Acid

What is folic acid?
It is a B vitamin that you should take if you are a woman: between the ages of 15 and 44; capable of becoming pregnant; planning a pregnancy or in the early weeks of a pregnancy.

Why should I take it?
Folic acid is important if you may soon become pregnant or you are in the early weeks of pregnancy. It can help protect your unborn baby against birth defects of the spine and brain, like spina bifida or "open spine."

How much folic acid do I need?
The U.S. Public Health Service urges you to consume 0.4 milligrams of folic acid every day. But you should not take more than 1 milligram daily unless your doctor or a health care provider tells you to.

Where do I get it?
Folic acid is found mainly in green leafy vegetables, asparagus, and liver. However, it is difficult to get enough folic acid through diet alone. You can make up the difference by taking a multivitamin supplement.

When should I take it?
You never know right away when you are pregnant. Sometimes weeks can go by before you know. But you and your baby need folic acid most during the period that starts one month before you conceive through the early weeks of pregnancy. So taking one multivitamin a day now (even if you are not pregnant) can reduce the risk of some birth defects if you become pregnant soon.

REMEMBER See your doctor or health care provider now if you are pregnant or planning to be.

(Source: March of Dimes)