In the News: January 8-14, 2012 is Folic Acid Awareness Week, 1/9/12

January 8-14, 2012 is Folic Acid Awareness Week                                                  

Folic acid is a B-vitamin that is necessary for proper cell growth. If taken before and during early pregnancy from a multi-vitamin or fortified foods, folic acid can prevent 50%-70% of some forms of serious birth defects of the brain and spine.

Experts recommend that women who could possibly become pregnant should take 400 micrograms of synthetic folic acid EVERY DAY, from:

• fortified foods like grains, pastas, or breakfast cereals,
• daily multi-vitamin, and
• eat a variety of foods as part of a healthy diet

However, every woman needs folic acid every day, whether she’s planning to get pregnant or not, so that she can continue to produce the healthy new cells the body makes daily. Folic Acid may also help to lower your chances of heart disease and certain types of cancers. Foods high in folic acid are good for everyone!

The easiest way to be sure to get the recommended daily amount of folic acid is to take a multi-vitamin every day.

Posters in both English and Spanish are available here, under the Nutrition heading.