The AHA advises a healthy, balanced diet that includes five servings of fruits and vegetables a day. For folic acid, the recommended daily value is 400 micrograms.
Good sources are citrus fruits, tomatoes, vegetables and grain products.
In January 1998, wheat flour became fortified with folic acid to add an estimated 100 micrograms per day to the average diet. Supplements should only be used when diet is not adequate to achieve these intakes. The AHA Dietary Guidelines are appropriate for children older than 2 years. Children between the ages of 2 and 5 can gradually adopt the dietary habits of the family. They should not rely on foods containing fat or sugar substitutes, which are often of little nutritional value.