Folic Acid: The Vitamin That Helps Prevent Birth Defects
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On June 18, 2024, CDPH Center for Family Health Divisions (GDSP, MCAH, WIC), in partnership with CDC, presented a webinar covering the scientific background and clinical perspectives on various forms of folate. Gain insights into folate, its forms, the importance of selecting the right one, and clear guidance for patients.ā Watchāā wāebinarā ā.
If you can become pregnant, itās important to make sure youāre getting the recommended daily amount of folic acid which is 400 micrograms (mcg) to help prevent birth defects.
Taking a daily supplement containing at least 400 mcg of folic acid, in addition to consuming a varied diet
fortified with folic acid (PDF) and folate-rich foods (dark leafy greens, lentils, and beans) before and early in pregnancy, can prevent up to 70% of neural tube defects in babies. These defects can cause serious health problems in a babyās brain and spinal cord.
Most, but not all, daily multi-vitamins sold in the United States contain the recommended daily amount. Be sure to read the label to make sure it says 400 mcg folic acid, which different than 400 mcg DFE (explained down below). ā
Question and Answer
| What is folic acid? |
Folic acid is a man-made type of folate (B-vitamin) that is important for the healthy growth and development of cells in your body. Taking it before and early in pregnancy can help to protect your baby from defects of the brain and spine called neural tube defects.
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| Are folate and folic acid the same thing? |
Folate is a word to describe all types of vitamin B9, including folate naturally found in foods and folic acid.
Folic acid is the man-made form of folate used in vitamin supplements and to fortify foods like cereals, rice, bread and more. Learn more about folic acid .
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| Where can I find folic acid? |
Folic acid can be found in fortified foods or in supplements. It is important to eat a varied diet that includes fortified foods and foods that contain natural folates. All people capable of becoming pregnant should consume 400 mcg of folic acid daily. You can find vitamins and/or multivitamins with 400mcg of folic acid at most local pharmacies and grocery stores. Be sure to discuss with your healthcare provider.
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| How is folic acid listed on the Nutrition Facts or Supplement Facts label? |
Check the amount of folic acid under the Folate section. The label shown below shows 400 mcg of folic acid in a Supplement Facts label.
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| How do I get enough folic acid in my diet? |
In addition to eating a varied diet with foods rich in folate (dark leafy greens, lentils, and beans), people can get folic acid from foods fortified with folic acid.
Foods fortified with folic acid include enriched breads, pastas, rice, and some breakfast cereals.
To make sure you get enough folic acid every day, a daily vitamin supplement with at least 400 mcg of folic acid is recommended.
Learn more about building a healthy plate before and during pregnancy with our CA MyPlate tools.
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| How soon should I start taking folic acid? |
All individuals who could become pregnant are recommended to start taking 400mcg folic acid every day. If you become pregnant and you are not currently taking folic acid, begin as soon as you can. Learn more about folic acid recommendations.
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What are neural tube defects (NTD)?
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Neural tube defects (NTDs) are serious birth defects of the brain and spine that happen when the neural tube fails to close properly. People capable of becoming pregnant should consume 400 mcg of folic acid daily. Folic acid is the only form of folate that has
been proven to help reduce the risk of a baby born with an NTD.
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| Need more information about neural tube defects? |
NTD: Spina Bifida
A birth defect that happens when the neural tube does not close all the way somewhere along the spine. Can cause a range of effects, from mild to severe, such as problems learning, movement, and controlling the bladder and bowel.
Learn more about spina bifida.
NTD: Anencephaly
A birth defect that happens if the upper part of neural tube does not close all the way, resulting in the baby being born without parts of their brain and skull.
Learn more about anencephaly.
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About Pregnancy Nutrition
Myth
People with the MTHFR gene variant cannot process folic acid, is this true?
Fact
Even if you have one or two copies of the MTHFR gene variant your body can still process all types of folates safely. Learn more about MTHFR variant .
By the Numbers: Pregnant Californiansā Folic Acid Consumption
According to 2017-2019
Maternal and Infant Health Assessment (MIHA) data, only 37% of birthing people who gave birth in California reported daily folic acid intake the month before pregnancy.
Daily folic acid use varied by race and ethnicity. In the month before pregnancy, 27.7% of Hispanic individuals, 31.6% of Black individuals, 46.4% of White individuals, and 48.9% of Asian/Pacific Islander individuals, used folic acid daily.
Visit the
Prepregnancy Daily Folic Acid Use MCAH Data Dashboard for more data on this topic.
If youāre pregnant and living in California, you may have access to a program that screens your blood to check if your baby has any birth defects. Visit the California
Prenatal Screening Program to learn more.āāāāāāāāāāāāāā