http://www.sbaa.org/site/c.gpILKXOEJqG/b.2021249/k.8DB8/Folic_Acid_Facts.htm
Spina Bifida Association of America
Folic acid is a water soluble B-vitamin that helps build healthy cells. Water soluble means it does not stay in your body for very long, so you need to take it every day to help prevent neural tube defects. During periods of rapid growth, such as pregnancy and fetal development, the body's requirement for this vitamin increases.