Consume More Folic Acid Women in their child-bearing years can reduce the risk of birth defects by consuming foods that contain folic acid, a B vitamin also found in vitamin supplements.
Folic acid can prevent a brain and spinal cord birth defect called spina bifida.
It helps form hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in red blood cells and can protect against heart disease. Nutritionists advise women to consume at least 400 micrograms of folic acid a day. In addition to supplements and fortified breakfast cereals, you can get folic acid by eating foods such as dried beans, asparagus, baked beans, collard greens, outmeal, spinach, avocado, beets and broccoli. All rights reserved.