Women are advised to take 400 micrograms of folic acid a day for at least a month before conception and up to the 12th week of pregnancy, but many do not.
It is estimated fortifying flour with folic acid could prevent up to 200 birth defects a year.
Folic acid can be found in the following:
- spinach, kale, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, broccoli
- beans and legumes (eg peas, blackeye beans)
- yeast and beef extracts
- oranges and orange juice
- wheat bran and other whole grain foods
- poultry, pork, shellfish and liver
- fortified foods (eg some breakfast cereals)
and can also be taken as a food supplement