Folic Acid During Pregnancy
Brittany Peats

Folate and folic acid

Folate is a B vitamin that helps prevent neural tube defects, and serious abnormalities of the brain and spinal cord like spina bifida. Lack of folate also may increase the risk of preterm delivery, low birth weight and poor fetal growth. The synthetic form of folate found in supplements and fortified foods is known as folic acid.

How much you need: 1 milligram (1,000 micrograms) of folate or folic acid a day before conception and during pregnancy.

Good sources: Fortified cereals are great sources of folic acid. Dark leafy green vegetables, citrus fruits, veal, and legumes (lima beans, black beans, black-eyed peas and chickpeas and dried beans and peas) are good sources of naturally occurring folate.