Folic Acid for Babies

Folic acid, also known as folate or B9, is a B vitamin that helps the body produce new cells and ensures proper functioning of DNA. It is available in a variety of foods, but it is also available through supplementation. Folic acid is an absolutely essential nutrient for the healthy development of a fetus. If you're thinking about having a baby, start taking folic acid now, and continue throughout your pregnancy.

Before and During Pregnancy

Any woman who's pregnant or capable of becoming pregnant should supplement her diet with folic acid. This nutrient helps to ensure that the baby's neural tube will develop properly. As the neural tube develops, it eventually becomes the baby's brain and spinal cord. In the case of a folic acid deficiency, the neural tube may not close, resulting in spina bifida. In some cases, a folic-acid deficiency might cause the baby to be born with anencephaly, a condition that occurs when part or all of the brain fails to develop. Babies born with anencephaly typically die before or shortly after birth.

Recommended Intake

Women of childbearing age should take 400 to 800 mcg of folic acid per day, especially during the early weeks of pregnancy. Women who are breastfeeding should continue taking at least 500 mcg of folate per day.

Special Considerations

If you were born with a neural-tube defect, have had a baby with a neural-tube defect or have a family member with a neural-tube defect and you are planning to get pregnant, consult your physician for a folic acid recommendation. Your physician might recommend an extremely high dose of folic acid to lower your risk of having a baby with a birth defect.

Food Sources

Leafy green vegetables -- such as spinach and turnip greens -- are among the best dietary sources of folic acid. High amounts of the vitamin can also be found in dried beans, peas, asparagus and avocados. Citrus fruits and juices -- like oranges and papayas -- are also good source of folate acid. In 1996, the Food and Drug Administration required food manufacturers to start adding folic acid to enriched breads, flours, cereals, pastas, rice and other types of grain products. The product's nutritional label identifies how much folic acid is in each serving. Although many people get enough folic acid from food, some might require additional supplementation.