CDC urges all women of reproductive age to take 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid each day, in addition to consuming food with folate from a varied diet, to help prevent some major birth defects of the baby’s brain (anencephaly) and spine (spina bifida). Show
About folic acidFolic acid is a B vitamin. Our bodies use it to make new cells. Think about the skin, hair, and nails. These–and other parts of the body – make new cells each day. Folic acid is the synthetic (that is, not generally occurring naturally) form of folate used in supplements and in fortified foods such as rice, pasta, bread, and some breakfast cereals Why folic acid is important before and during pregnancyWhen the baby is developing early during pregnancy, folic acid helps form the neural tube. Folic acid is very important because it can help prevent some major birth defects of the baby’s brain (anencephaly) and spine (spina bifida). The neural tube forms the early brain and spine. Women of reproductive age need 400 mcg of folic acid every day
Learn more about CDC’s folic acid recommendations here. When to start taking folic acidEvery woman of reproductive age needs to get folic acid every day, whether she is planning to get pregnant or not, to help make new cells. Are folate and folic acid the same thing?The terms “folate” and “folic acid” are often used interchangeably, even though they are different. Folate is a general term to describe many different types of vitamin B9. Types of folate can include
Food fortification is a way to add vitamins or minerals, or both, to foods. Some rice, pasta, bread, and breakfast cereals are fortified with folic acid. These foods are labeled “enriched.” Folic acid is a specific type of folate that does not generally occur naturally. Folic acid is the ideal form of folate to use for food fortification. It is more stable than types of natural food folate, which can easily be broken down by heat and light. Folic acid is better suited for food fortification because many fortified products, such as bread and pasta, are cooked.6 CDC recommends that women of reproductive age who could become pregnant consume at least 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid every day. However, it’s difficult to get 400 mcg of folic acid through diet alone. You can get 400 mcg of folic acid each day by taking a vitamin with folic acid in it, eating fortified foods, or a combination of the two, in addition to consuming a balanced diet rich in natural food folate. How to get enough folic acid to prevent neural tube defectsIn addition to eating foods with folate from a varied diet, women can get folic acid from
If taking folic acid for reasons other than neural tube defect prevention, talk to your healthcare provider. Learn more about where to find folic acid in the United States here. More InformationFor more information, visit the Frequently Asked Questions page. You can also contact CDC-INFO in English or Spanish:
What vitamin could cause fetal malformations in pregnancy?The main adverse effects associated with excessive vitamin A intake, particularly at the beginning of the first quarter of pregnancy, are congenital malformations involving the central nervous and cardiovascular systems and spontaneous abortion [12,13].
What are 2 vitamins minerals excess or deficiency that can adversely impact pregnancy outcome or fetal development?Beyond the periconceptional period, because folate and vitamin B12 are required for nucleotide and DNA synthesis to support cell division, deficiencies in these nutrients also increase risk of miscarriage and fetal malformations, including neural tube defects.
Which vitamin is associated with birth defects?Folic Acid is An Important Vitamin
Folic acid is a vitamin found in many foods and multivitamin supplements. It's especially important for women who could become pregnant because folic acid can help prevent birth defects.
Which vitamin can be toxic in excess and increase the risk of birth defects?Symptoms of Vitamin A Excess
Chronic consumption of large doses of vitamin A can cause liver damage. It can also cause birth defects in a fetus.
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