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Folic Acid
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    All women need 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid every day.

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    Folic Acid

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    Folic acid is a B vitamin. If a woman has enough folic acid in her body before and during pregnancy, it can help prevent major birth defects of the baby’s brain and spine. Women need 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid every day.

    Basic

    Facts, why it’s important, and how much women need.

    Recommendations

    Occurrence and recurrence prevention.

    Free Materials & Multimedia

    Fact sheets, infographics, videos, podcasts & PSAs, buttons, & a quiz.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Frequently asked questions about folic acid.

    Birth Defects COUNT

    CDC’s global initiative to reduce death and lifelong disability due to neural tube defects.

    Data & Statistics

    Data and statistics highlights.

    Research

    What we’re doing, what we’ve learned, and references.

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    Scientific articles and key findings.

    About Us

    Overview of the program and our partners.

    MTHFR Gene and Folic Acid

    What is the MTHFR gene?

    FOLIC ACID SMOOTHIE RECIPE
    YouTube: Folic Acid Smoothie

    Give your vitamin intake a boost by enjoying this healthy smoothie!

    TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE
    Try your hand at this quiz

    How much do you know about folic acid? Try your hand at this quiz.

    KEY FINDINGS
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    Key Findings: The Promotora de Salud Model Promotes Positive Health Behavior Change

    Page last reviewed: November 17, 2020
    Content source:  National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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