Folic Acid

Folate is important for women who are considering getting pregnant. Folic acid, the synthetic form of folate, a B vitamin protects fetuses from birth defects such as neural tube defects. Folate- deficient diets have also been linked to heart disease, colon cancer and dementia in the elderly. Good sources of folate include green, leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, folic acid-fortified cereal, and supplements. It is important to have enough folate even before you find out that you are pregnant because most of us do not find out that we are pregnant until a month into the pregnancy. It is in the first few weeks of fetal development that the folate is most important as the foundation for nerve generation is laid down.