National Folic Acid Awareness Week

January 9, 2019

Folic Acid Awareness Month

January 7 – 11 is Folic Acid Awareness Week, but folic acid should be part of a healthy lifestyle every day. You can start the new year off right by taking a multivitamin with 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid daily, which the body uses to maintain health and should be incorporated into a healthy diet for all.

What is folic acid?

Folic acid, an essential B-vitamin, is the synthetic version of folates. Folates are naturally found in specific foods like leafy green vegetables, beans, liver, and some fruit. However, like most naturally occurring vitamins and minerals, it can be difficult to consume the recommended daily values; therefore, folic acid helps supplement one’s diet. Folic acid helps build DNA, grow and reproduce cells, and it is part of the fundamental building process. Pregnant women, and women of reproductive age especially, should ensure they are getting enough folic acid as it helps prevent congenital disabilities like spina bifida and anencephaly. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports 1,645 babies are born with spina bifida every year, the highest of rates being among Hispanic women. Additionally, the National Institute of Health (NIH) reports that women with a history of spina bifida are at five to 10 times the risk of the general population of having another child with spina bifida. A history includes having a child with spina bifida, having it themselves, or have had a pregnancy affected by any other neural tube defect. The NIH also recommends these women take higher doses of folic acid as a preventative measure.

What should you do?

While folates are natural, 50 to 90 percent of them are destroyed during the cooking process; that’s where folic acid steps in. Folic acid is easier for your body to absorb and is found in many multivitamins, fortified cereals, types of pasta, and breads. Incorporating these fortified foods into your daily diet is a start. Additionally, taking a daily multivitamin with 400mcg of folic acid is a perfect way to ensure that you receive the daily suggested amount and help prevent congenital disabilities.

Join the Conversation

Join us in the conversation and raise awareness about folic acid – Post a photo and tag us (@UTHealthTyler) to show how you are making sure to get your daily folic acid. #Prevent2Protect