Northern Kentucky Health Department

Folic Acid

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What is folic acid?	Folic acid is a B vitamin, found in foods and multivitamins. It enhances the development of all new cells such as skin, hair and nails.
Why is folic acid important?	Folic acid Helps produce new cells in the body Helps produce normal red blood cells, which prevent anemia Helps prevent birth defects of the brain and spinal cord, known as neural-tube defects Protects against heart disease, which is the leading cause of death for women Protects against colon cancer Studies have shown that folic acid is essential in the prevention of birth defects known as neural tube defects, which include spina bifida. Women who are planning on getting pregnant should be taking a multivitamin containing 400 micrograms of folic acid three months before the start of pregnancy and through the early stages of pregnancy along with a diet rich in folic acids.
How much folic acid do I need?	Men and women who are not pregnant need 400 micrograms daily, and pregnant women need 600 micrograms daily along with diet. Breastfeeding women are encouraged to consume 500 micrograms daily.
What are some good sources of folic acid?	Multivitamins can be a good source of folic acid, but many foods contain the beneficial vitamin as well. Vegetables Asparagus Avocado Broccoli Brussels sprouts Cauliflower Greens Romaine lettuce Spinach Fruits Lemons Limes Oranges Papaya Grains Breads Cereals Pastas Legumes Black beans Black eyed peas Chickpeas Lentils Navy beans Peanuts Pinto beans Split peas
Where can I get a prescription for folic acid?	Along with folic acid, women can receive family planning services and Medical Nutrition Counseling to ensure that their diet is adequate in folic acid at the Health Department's county health centers. Call the health center in your county to schedule your appointment, and get the information you need to have a healthy pregnancy.
Where can I get more information on folic acid?	For more information online, you can visit the Centers for Disease Control at http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/folicacid/index.html or visit the Kentucky Folic acid partnership's Web site at http://kfap.org/. For more information on the Health Department’s programs, please call 859.341.4264.