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HCET Home > On-line Training > Folic Acid: Getting the Word Out > 5. Folic Acid Summary

Folic Acid is a B Vitamin that can be found in some enriched foods and vitamins. If women have enough of it in their bodies before pregnancy, folic acid can help prevent neural tube birth defects, such as spina bifida. Therefore, health professionals need to take the time to address the importance of folic acid with all of their clients of childbearing age – even if they are not thinking about becoming pregnant!

The keys to preventing NTDS are:

1. Eating Right
   • Include folic acid in a woman’s daily diet!
     • Folic acid has been added to breads, rice, pasta and cereal (check labels)

     • Folic acid can be found in many fruits and vegetables

   • Remember that getting folic acid through food alone takes careful planning!

2. Taking a Vitamin
   • Since it requires planning to get folic acid solely from food sources, recommend that women include a vitamin supplement.

   • Folic acid is included in almost all multivitamins that are sold over the counter (If you get an upset stomach, try taking vitamins at bedtime or with a meal).

   • You can also buy folic acid vitamins, which are small and easy to swallow.

3. Planning Ahead
   • No one expects an unplanned pregnancy, but they happen everyday! Make sure and inform all your clients of the benefits of folic acid, even if they are not anticipating a pregnancy!

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URL: http://www.hcet.org/training/foacid/5summary.htm
 Last update: 04/08/08