Taking Folic Acid helps prevent unborn children from developing certain birth defects like spina bifida and Neural Tube Defects. To get the full effect of the B-vitamin it is recommended women begin taking folic acid 3-12 months before becoming pregnant.
Studies have shown that 50% of pregnancies in the U.S. are unexpected, and many women don’t find out that they’re expecting until four to five weeks into the pregnancy. That’s why you should add folic acid to your diet now!
Girls as young as age 10 can even start taking Folic Acid. It’s a good way to develop the habit of taking the vitamin regularly. Plus, there are added benefits beyond reducing the risk of birth defects, like preventing acne and helping to maintain healthy hair.
Adding folic acid to your daily routine is as easy as taking the recommended 400 to 800 mcgs a day. You can also add foods rich in folic acid to your diet, foods like egg yolks, orange juice, dried beans, peas, nuts, dark green leafy vegetables and certain fruits. Many foods such as breakfast cereals, enriched breads, flours, pastas, rice, and other grain products are now fortified with folic acid.
So why not add folic acid to your diet now? It never hurts to be prepared.
