The Benefits of Folic Acid

Folic acid is a B vitamin that helps prevent birth defects in your baby's brain and spine. It may also help protect you from heart attack, stroke, and cancer.

Aim for at least 400 mcg of folic acid every day. This is important even before you become pregnant.

How to Get Folic Acid

• Eat WIC-approved cereal or other fortified grain products.
• Eat foods high in folic acid.
• Take a multivitamin or prenatal vitamin, which contains folic acid.

Foods Full of Folic Acid

• Fortified cereals
• Enriched bread and pasta
• Dark green leafy vegetables (spinach, kale)
• Orange juice
• Beans
• Fruits
• Whole grains

Taking folic acid daily is simple and safe. This nutrient is one more way to protect your health and your baby's health.