Folic Acid also known as vitamin B9 or folacin is essential to health, especially for women who are pregnant. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), folic acid can reduce the risk of major birth defects that interfere with the spinal cord and brain by 70%.

If possible, folic acid should begin to be consumed at least 3 months before pregnancy. Thus, it is useful when planning a pregnancy began to regulate the consumption of folic acid.

What about the dosage? Based on CDC recommendations, as quoted by AP sites, women who are pregnant or plan to become pregnant should consume 400 micrograms of folic acid every day. You can use multivitamins containing folic acid in accordance with this dose or using folic acid supplements separately.

In addition to the supplements, women are also recommended increasing intake of foods rich in folic acid, such as breakfast cereals that are fortified with various kinds of vitamins and minerals. Before buying, look at the label to ensure that these cereals contain 100% of recommended daily folic acid.

You can also eat leafy vegetables like spinach and turnip china, dried beans and peas, cereal, sunflower seeds and other fruits and vegetables.