The claim about folate cannot imply that adequate folate intake alone will ensure a healthy baby, since so many factors can affect a pregnancy. Women should bear this in mind when contemplating pregnancy, advises Jeanne Latham, a registered dietitian and consumer safety officer in FDA's Office of Special Nutritionals. Genetics plays a role, as do other healthful prenatal practices, such as eating an all-around good diet. A well-balanced diet with a variety of foods can provide all those nutrients, including adequate amounts of folate. Folic acid-fortified grain products, including breakfast cereals, will help, too.
Dietary supplements are another source of folate.
Any one or a combination of these options for ensuring adequate folate can help assure women of childbearing age that, if they become pregnant, their babies will be off to a healthy start. Paula Kurtzweil is a member of FDA's public affairs staff. Information available through WellnessWeb is presented in summary form and covers certain diseases, ailments, physical conditions and their treatments. This information is neither complete nor exhaustive and should not be used as a substitute for a consultation with your physician or other health care provider. WellnessWeb makes no warranty as to the information's completeness, reliability, or accuracy.