How important is folic acid?

A folic acid supplement of 400 mcg. each day is strongly recommended for women trying to conceive and pregnant women, particularly those in the first trimester.

Folic acid is a water-soluble vitamin that is used to treat and prevent megoblastic anemia of pregnancy. This is a very important vitamin for women who are trying to conceive. It has recently been proven to significantly reduce the incidence of neural tube defects in babies whose mothers take this vitamin prior to, and during early pregnancy.

There is scattered research showing that folates may reduce the incidence of miscarriage, preterm delivery and low birth weight as well.

Folates are present in a variety of foods and occur in especially high levels in liver, fortified or whole-grain breads and cereals, dried peas and beans, leafy vegetables, fruit and yeast.