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Get Enough Folic Acid

 

The Basics

Folic acid is a vitamin that can prevent birth defects. Women ages 15 to 49 should aim to get 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid every day.

There are two easy ways to do this:

  • Eat breakfast cereal that has 100% DV (daily value) of folic acid. Check the label on the side of the box. Some examples are Total, Smart Start, Life, or Cheerios Plus. Click here for a complete list of cereals with folic acid.

    • OR

  • Take a vitamin with folic acid. You can take a small pill that has only folic acid or take a multivitamin.

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding need even more folic acid. If you are pregnant, talk to your doctor about folic acid.
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Start Today: Small Steps
  • If you don’t take a multivitamin, write yourself a note to pick some up at the pharmacy.
  • Tell a friend how important it is to take folic acid, especially if she might become pregnant some day.
  • Send an e-card to encourage a friend or family member to eat healthy foods.

Learn how to get other vitamins and minerals by eating healthy.

Find additional resources from healthfinder.gov.

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