Folic acid is a water soluble vitamin and is part of the B-vitamin family. It is mainly found in leafy green vegetables and fruits. Folic acid is important for the proper development of the neural tube. It helps to prevent birth defects of the brain and spine. All women who are capable of becoming pregnant should take a daily supplement of 400 micrograms of folate or folic acid. Good food sources of folic acid include broccoli, Brussels sprouts, spinach, turnip greens, romaine lettuce, asparagus, oranges, strawberries, beans, lentils, sunflower seeds, and nuts.

gofolic.org has many nutritional benefits. It helps the body to produce new cells and prevents changes to DNA that could lead to cancer. Folic acid can also help to lower levels of homocysteine in the blood. High levels of homocysteine are associated with an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. Folic acid may also help to reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease and dementia.

The importance of folic acid during pregnancy cannot be overstated. It is essential for the proper development of the neural tube. Folic acid helps to prevent birth defects of the brain and spine known as neural tube defects. All women who are capable of becoming pregnant should take a daily supplement of 400 micrograms (0.4 milligrams) of folate or folic acid. Good food sources of folate include broccoli, Brussels sprouts, spinach, turnip greens, romaine lettuce, asparagus, oranges, strawberries, beans, lentils, sunflower seeds, and nuts.

Folic acid is important for everyone but it is especially important for women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Birth defects of the brain and spine known as neural tube defects can occur in babies whose mothers did not get enough folic acid during pregnancy. All women who are capable of becoming pregnant should take a daily supplement of 400 micrograms (0.4 milligrams) of folate or folic acid. Good food sources of folate include broccoli, Brussels sprouts, spinach, turnip greens, romaine lettuce, asparagus, oranges, strawberries"