Everything you need to know about Folic Acid

If you're taking a prenatal, you've heard of Folic acid, but why is Folic acid so important while you're pregnant?

2 Reasons:

1) It helps you make DNA.

2) Folic acid prevents spina bifida

(Which is why most breads are fortified with it... Spina bifida can occur during the first few weeks of pregnancy - before you even know you're pregnant- and why it's imperative to start a prenatal before you become pregnant)

Folic Acid vs. Folate

Folic acid is the supplement form of the naturally occurring vitamin Folate (also known as B-9)

You will need 400-800 mcg of folic acid per day

Taking more than 1000 mcg of folic acid can cause health problems because it can mask a deficit of vitamin B-12.

Folic acid is a supplement, while Folate is a naturally occurring food that you don't need to worry about eating too much of...

Folate can be found in:

Dark leafy greens

Citrus

Asparagus

Avocado

Nuts and seeds

Broccoli

Beans, peas, lentils

Okra

Cauliflower

Beets

Corn

Carrots

Celery

Squash

So, if you're trying to get pregnant, start taking a prenatal vitamin as soon as possible. Don't worry if you haven't been, because most likely you'll have been taking in folate with a healthy diet and folic acid via fortified bread.

Please share this with a friend who is trying to get pregnant! xo