INFOGRAPHICPREGNANCY

What Is Folic Acid?

By Twill Care Editors
Reviewed by Alyssa Quimby, M.D.
August 23, 2023
folic acid noun A type of B-vitamin that can help reduce the risk of birth defects when taken before and during pregnancy

Folic acid is the synthetic version of the B-vitamin folate. It’s contained in most multivitamins and prenatal vitamins. Folate can help reduce the risk of birth defects in the spine (called neural tube defects).

Ideally, people should start taking 400 mcg (micrograms) of folic acid per day before pregnancy. During pregnancy, it’s recommended to take 600 mcg per day.

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