According to Kristin Biskeborn, Pierre, state nutritionist for South Dakota, both food and fitness are especially important for women of child-bearing age. For women planning a pregnancy, folic acid can prevent 70 percent of the birth defects of the brain and spinal cord, while also helping to assure a healthy baby.
Folic acid is a preventative measure.
According to Biskeborn, half of all pregnancies are not planned, so it is never too early to start taking folic acid. Women must have enough folic acid in their bodies before pregnancy to prevent these birth defects. For women who are not planning a pregnancy, folic acid still helps the woman protect herself against heart disease, stroke, and colon and cervical cancers. Women should take 400 micrograms of synthetic folic acid each day, in addition to consuming a varied diet high in food folate. The correct amount of synthetic folic acid can be obtained by either taking a multivitamin each day or by eating a highly fortified breakfast cereal each day.