What is Folic Acid?
Folic acid is a type of B vitamin (vitamin B9; also called folate).
Why is Folic Acid Important?
- Your body uses it to make healthy cells in your body.
- Taking it before and early in pregnancy can help protect your baby from certain birth defects. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends taking at least 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid every day before and during pregnancy.
- It is important for normal growth and development of your baby. If you are considering becoming or could become pregnant, or are pregnant, taking folic acid every day is one of the easiest ways to lower the chance of birth defects in your baby’s brain and spine (called neural tube defects).
- To learn more visit:
- CDPH: Pregnancy and Reproductive Health
- Every Parent OC: Healthy Habits, Healthy Baby
- WIC: Healthy You!
Easy Ways to Get Folic Acid Daily
- Take a daily multivitamin (usually in prenatal vitamins) of at least 400 mcg every day before and during pregnancy
- Check the nutrition label for ‘400 mcg folic acid’
- Eat foods that are high in folic acid:
- Bread, rice, pasta, or corn masa flour foods that have been fortified with folic acid
- Beans, peas, and lentils
- Dark green leafy vegetables like spinach, kale, and arugula
- Eggs
- Fruits including oranges, lemons, avocados, melons, strawberries, and bananas
To learn more about folic acid, visit:
- CDC: Improving Folic Acid Intake English | Spanish
- CDPH: Folic Acid
- FDA: Folate and Folic Acid on the Nutrition and Supplement Facts Labels English | Spanish
