The Basics
Women of childbearing age (typically ages 11 to 49) need 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid every day.
Why is folic acid important?
Everyone needs folic acid in their diet. Folic acid is especially important for women who are or may become pregnant.
Folic acid is a vitamin that can prevent birth defects before and during pregnancy. It's needed during the first few weeks of pregnancy, often before a woman knows she's pregnant. That's why it's important to get enough folic acid, even when you are not planning to get pregnant.
