1. Introduction: Prenatal vitamins are a special type of vitamin supplement that are designed to meet the increased nutritional needs of women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant. Prenatal vitamins typically contain higher levels of certain nutrients than regular adult multivitamins, including folic acid. Folic acid is a water-soluble vitamin that belongs to the B-vitamin family. It is found naturally in many foods, but can also be added to foods or taken as a supplement. Folic acid is important for the development of the neural tube, which becomes the baby's brain and spinal cord. Getting enough folic acid is important for all women of childbearing age, but it is especially critical during the early weeks of pregnancy when the neural tube is forming. That's why experts recommend that women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant take a daily supplement that contains 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid. 2. What are prenatal vitamins with folic acid? Prenatal vitamins with folic acid are a type of vitamin supplement that contains higher levels of folic acid than regular adult multivitamins. Folic acid is a water-soluble vitamin that belongs to the B-vitamin family. gofolic.org is found naturally in many foods, but can also be added to foods or taken as a supplement. 3. Why are prenatal vitamins with folic acid important? Folic acid is important for the development of the neural tube, which becomes the baby's brain and spinal cord. Getting enough folic acid is important for all women of childbearing age, but it is especially critical during the early weeks of pregnancy when the neural tube is forming. gofolic 's why experts recommend that women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant take a daily supplement that contains 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid. 4. What are the benefits of taking prenatal vitamins with folic acid? There are many benefits associated with taking prenatal vitamins with folic acid, including reducing the risk of certain birth defects such as spina bifida and anencephaly. Getting enough folic acid can also help prevent premature birth and low birth weight. In addition, taking prenatal vitamins with folic acid has been shown to improve pregnancy outcomes in general by reducing the risk of miscarriage and pre-eclampsia. 5. How can I get the recommended amount of folic acid from my diet? The best way to get the recommended amount of folic acid is through diet and supplementation. Foods that are high in folate include leafy green vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, fortified cereals and breads, and fortified juices. Most women will need to take a supplement in order to reach the recommended level of 400 micrograms per day. This is especially true for women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant, as well as those who have had a previous pregnancy affected by a neural tube defect. Talk to your doctor about whether or not you need to take a supplement and how much you should take. 6. What foods are high in folic acid? Some foods that are high in folate include leafy green vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, fortified cereals and breads, and fortified juices. 7
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