FOLIC ACID

Since I have gotten several questions and comments from women who are in the child bearing period or who have recently had children I just wanted to take the time to post on this important topic.
Folic acid is a B vitamin that helps the body make healthy new cells. It is found naturally in some foods but most women do not get all the folic acid they need from food alone. Folic acid is needed by everyone but is most important for women of childbearing age.
When a woman has enough folic acid in her body before and during pregnancy it can prevent major birth defects called neural tube defects. Spina bifida is one of these and happens when a baby's spinal cord does not close causing nerves that control leg movement and other functions to be damaged. These children often require many surgeries and have life long disabilities. Anecephaly is another and is when most or all of the brain does not develop. These babies die before or shortly after birth. Women need 400-800 mcg daily to help prevent these. Folic acid also helps to prevent anemia and is thought to help heart health and prevent cancer.
Folic acid occurs naturally in green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, beans, whole grains, enriched cereals, breads, rice and pasta. Diet alone is not enough so don't forget to take your folic acid. If you take it the same time everyday then it will become part of your routine. Even if you are past childbearing age you will still benefit from taking 400mcg of Folic Acid daily to help maintain healthy blood. Men will also benefit from this.