Although folic acid is found in vegetables, fruits, grain products, beans and lentils, it is difficult to get all you need from food.

In order to get the required daily intake of 0.6 mg you should take a 0.4 mg folic acid supplement every day and eat foods rich in folic acid.

Folic acid is available as a single supplement or as part of a multi-vitamin preparation. Ask a dietitian, pharmacist or doctor for the best choice. It is not recommended to take doses higher than 1 mg of folic acid per day unless prescribed by your doctor.

Women should not take more than one multivitamin supplement per day or any other additional supplements containing Vitamin A. Too much Vitamin A can actually lead to birth defects.

If you start taking a prenatal supplement you will be getting all the folic acid you need. So, you won’t need to take the other supplement as well.

If you have already had a child with a NTD, your requirement for folic acid is higher for future pregnancies. Consult with your doctor.