Folic acid is a B-vitamin that is necessary for proper cell growth. If taken before and during early pregnancy from a multi-vitamin or fortified foods, folic acid can prevent from 50% up to 70% of some forms of serious birth defects of the spine & brain.
All women between 15 and 45 years of age consume 450 to 650 micrograms of folic acid daily to prevent two common and serious birth defects, spina bifida and anencephaly. Women need folic acid, even if not planning to become pregnant. Women who could possibly become pregnant can consume 450 to 650 micrograms of folic acid every day. Few mode of consuming Folic Acid are :-
* Had a daily multi-vitamin containing folic acid.
* Eating fortified foods like breakfast cereals, pastas, or grains.
* Variety of foods should be the part of a healthy diet.
* All the enriched cereals and grain products.
Older adults need 400 mcg of folic acid every day for good health. But older adults need to be sure they also are getting enough vitamin B12. Too much folic acid can hide signs that a person is lacking vitamin B12. People older than 50 are at increased risk of not having enough vitamin B12. If you are 50 or older, ask your doctor what vitamins and supplements you might need.
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