Consumer

Prevent Birth Defects Through Folic Acid

January is National Birth Defects Prevention Month — a perfect opportunity to talk about the everyday health benefits of folic acid in your diet. Folic acid can reduce the risk of heart disease and some cancers, prevent certain types of anemia, and even protect against depression. But it’s during pregnancy that this vitamin is particularly important, since it’s been shown to prevent neural tube defects — birth defects which affect a baby’s brain and spine. The vitamin is available in two forms — as a supplement in a multivitamin, and in its natural form called “folate” found in many foods (including oranges). Learn more about the benefits of folic acid, and make folic acid a part of your daily diet.