Because 50 percent of pregnancies in the United States are unplanned, it is even more crucial for all women of childbearing age to continually consume large intakes of folic acid. They recommend that women of childbearing age increase their dietary levels of folic acid, including fortified foods, and take vitamin supplements to ensure an intake of 400 micrograms daily. The CDC estimates that 50 percent to 70 percent of spina bifida and anencephaly could be prevented if the Public Health Service recommendations are followed. Ironically, the RDA used to be 400 micrograms, but it was lowered several years ago. Most people are not even getting this lower level.
Some practitioners still recommend the higher intake for all ages for both men and women.
About the only way anyone can obtain 400 micrograms per day through diet is by eating according to the Food Guide Pyramid and having a highly fortified breakfast cereal. If you do not make a conscious effort to do this daily, a vitamin pill is strongly recommended. Cigarette smoking and alcohol intake also can affect folate status. Folic acid fortification Enrichment and fortification has been an effective way to prevent diseases in the past. Enrichment of niacin, thiamine and riboflavin in refined grain products in the 1940s have basically eradicated the occurrence of beri beri and pellagra.