Never too early for folic acid: health unit

Folic acid is a B vitamin needed for the healthy development of a baby’s spine, brain, and skull during the early weeks of pregnancy.
When folic acid is taken before becoming pregnant, and during the early weeks of pregnancy, it has been proven to help reduce the risk of some birth defects by as much as 70 percent.

These birth defects—called neural tube defects—included conditions such as spina bifida and can results in a wide
range of disabilities.
Women who could become pregnant, whether they are planning to or not, need to make healthy food choices and take a folic acid supplement every day.
Julie Lenk, public health nutritionist with the Northwestern Health Unit, states that “women of child-bearing age should follow a well-balanced meal plan, as recommended in Eating Well with Canada’s Food Guide.
Good food sources of folate (folic acid) include dark and leafy green vegetables, whole grain breads and cereals, orange juice, dried peas, beans, nuts, and seeds.
Folic acid supplementation must be adjusted according to a woman’s history and need. Speak to your health-care provider to determine the folic acid dose that’s right for you.
If you, or someone you know, would like more information about folic acid, talk to your family doctor, dietitian, or pharmacist or contact the Northwestern Health Unit.